Bafana Bafana’s elimination from AFCON a few days ago stung, and it will probably hurt for some time. But such are the demands that come with the national team that both Hugo Broos and his players cannot cry over spilt milk - not when there is still a perfect send-off to carry out at the FIFA World Cup in June.
Bafana crashed out of AFCON after losing 2–1 to Cameroon in the last 16 in Rabat. With their below-par start to the continental showpiece, porous defence, and wastefulness in front of goal, Bafana’s early elimination from the tournament was always on the horizon.
A Team Far From Its Best
Since landing in Morocco, Bafana looked like shadows of the team that made incredible strides over the last 24 months after finishing third at the previous AFCON edition in Ivory Coast, qualifying for the ongoing tournament unbeaten, and automatically securing their ticket to the World Cup for the first time in more than two decades.
In the group stage, they came out to play only early in the second half. As a result, they secured nervy wins over Angola and Zimbabwe, while losing to Egypt to finish as runners-up in Group B. That outcome pitted them against Broos’ former team, Cameroon, in the knockout round.
The Indomitable Lions, boasting a strong contingent of overseas-based players, duly punished Bafana’s wastefulness. They took the lead on the stroke of half-time and struck again early in the second half, ensuring that Evidence Makgopa’s late goal was merely a consolation.
A Muted Homecoming
Amid the disappointment, Bafana almost sneaked back into OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, where they were welcomed by Minister of Sport Gayton McKenzie and a very small group of supporters.
That reception stood in stark contrast to the celebrations that followed the team’s third-place finish in Ivory Coast which was a podium finish for the side for the first time in more than two decades.
Tactical Missteps and Costly Decisions
Broos certainly grew more grey hair after Bafana’s elimination - and deservedly so. His team’s set-up in some matches was questionable.
Against Egypt, he opted for balance by starting three defensive midfielders: Thalente Mbatha, Teboho Mokoena and Sphephelo Sithole. While that formation may have made sense to him, the lack of a creative player - Sipho Mbule - came back to haunt him, especially after the Pharaohs were reduced to 10 men before the break.
After holding on to their lead courtesy of a Mohamed Salah penalty, Egypt packed numbers behind the ball in the second half. That approach worked, as they grinded out a crucial win.
From Admission to Repetition of Mistakes
Broos manned up and admitted that he did not use the right approach in his starting line-up against Egypt, something he promised to fix in the following matches. But the septuagenarian went on to make matters worse against Cameroon.
He started with five defenders, with Nkosinathi Sibisi deployed as a central defensive midfielder. That approach reeked of fear, and when Bafana failed to capitalise on three clear chances early in the match, they were made to pay heavily as their weaknesses were ruthlessly exposed.
Individual Effort Not Enough
Granted, several Bafana players - including Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Khuliso Mudau and Siyabonga Ngezana - stood out during the campaign. But what they could not do alone was marshal a rock-solid defensive unit; they needed greater support from their teammates.
While Broos must be clearly dejected with the performances of some players, including Elias Mokwana, he cannot afford to sulk or moan. He must find solutions.
Overseas Experience Still Matters
To some, Broos sounded as though he was making excuses when he suggested that the standard of this AFCON was too high for his largely locally based squad - hence his call for more South African players to move abroad.
But he wasn’t wrong. The four semi-finalists - Senegal, Egypt, Nigeria and Morocco - boast squads made up largely of overseas-based players. That is why each of those teams is capable of winning the tournament and has previously been crowned champion.
Lessons for the World Cup
Ultimately, Bafana must learn from their shortcomings at AFCON and ensure they leave no stone unturned at the global showpiece in North America, especially given that their return to the World Cup was widely celebrated.
They have been drawn in Group A alongside co-hosts Mexico, South Korea, and the winner of the play-off between Denmark, Czech Republic, North Macedonia and the Republic of Ireland in March.
Given the stature of most of the teams in the group, Bafana will be regarded as the whipping boys - a tag they will only accept or shake off through their own performances.
A Chance to Defy Expectations
Bafana may be lesser favourites, but they have a lot to play for at the finals. Their staunch supporters will hope this motivates them to fight for badge and country, and help them reach the knockout stage of the World Cup for the first time in four appearances.
The tournament will carry an added sense of déjà vu as Bafana open their campaign against Mexico at the Estadio Azteca on June 11 - a repeat of their 2010 World Cup opener on home soil.
The Perfect Send-Off for Broos
And that’s not all. While Bafana may not have had the AFCON they hoped for, Broos is set to step down from his role after the World Cup and retire. He deserves a perfect send-off.
In a poetic twist, Broos will coach at a World Cup in Mexico - where Bafana will be based for the group stage - for the first time since he played in the tournament with his native Belgium in 1986.
Broos has not been without flaws during his tenure - whether in tactics or choice of words - but it is well documented that he has changed the face of South African football for the better.
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