Bafana Bafana of South Africa coach Hugo Broos has explained why his side lost 2-0 to Rwanda in Tuesday’s Group C 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.
Two first half goals earned Rwanda a first win in the qualifiers while it was South Africa’s first defeat.
Also, Rwanda occupy top spot in Group C on four points while South Africa are second on three points.
The result ended Bafana’s 11-match unbeaten run and was only their second loss in their past 18 games across all competitions.
Afterwards, Bafana Bafana coach Broos said that his side lost the game within the first quarter and were never in a position to recover.
“We lost the game in the first 25 minutes, because we weren’t ready for the kick-and-rush football of Rwanda,” Broos added
“I had told the players to be careful, but then we gave away two presents – two gift goals. We were not ready, and after the two goals, we changed a little bit.
“We were not good. I asked the boys to put Rwanda under pressure, and in the second half only once did they manage to pass the 60m mark into our territory.”
Broos refused to comment on the performances of some of his players who did not come to the party.
“I am not used to commenting on individual performances after a match, and I will not do it now. We lose with 11 players, and we win with 11 players.
“I say it again, we were not ready for the kick-and-rush football of Rwanda.”
Bafana’s next game in the qualifiers is an away game against Nigeria’s Super Eagles in June 2024.
The Eagles started their campaign on a disappointing note after two draws against Lesotho and Zimbabwe.
