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In the dying minutes of the game, Liberia clawed their way from two goals down to force a shock draw, despite South Africa dominating the game and creating numerous chances. Broos furiously left the bench and failed to attend post-match interviews and press conferences.
Bafana Bafana coach, Hugo Broos, apologized to the nation following his emotional outburst after the team's 2-2 draw with Liberia in their Africa Cup of Nations qualifier (AFCON) at Orlando Stadium on Friday night.
In the dying minutes of the game, Liberia clawed their way from two goals down to force a shock draw, despite South Africa dominating the game and creating numerous chances.
Broos furiously left the bench and failed to attend post-match interviews and press conferences.
Speaking about his behaviour, Broos admitted that it was a combination of factors that led to his emotions getting the better of him.
"When you see the game, it was clear that we were the better team. It was clear that we had a lot of chances,” the Belgian explained.
“But it was also clear that we missed a lot of chances that, in the last half an hour we lost control over the game because yeah, Liberia was more powerful than we were."
"And then yeah in the 91st minute or 92nd minute you get a goal where you loose the victory. And that, yeah, that made a lot of emotions with me and I left at 2-2, went immediately to the dressing room.”
“I did not fulfill my media obligations and I want to apologize for that. But I am a human being and the emotions took control yesterday over me.”
“I know from experience that it is better not to say anything at the heat of the moment and that's what I did.”
It was not right, but I think that people can understand in such circumstances that, you are taking that decision," he said.
Bafana Bafana has collected only one point from their opening two qualifying matches, having lost to Morocco – who have already qualified for the finals – in their opening qualifier in Group K.
With Zimbabwe disqualified from the group as they still serve a FIFA ban, the winner between South Africa and Liberia will qualify for the tournament to be held in Ivory Coast.
Broos who pledged that he ‘should be murdered’ if South Africa fail to qualify for the 2023 AFCON said that he still has belief in his players.
"I still believe in them. They must not believe that because I was frustrated, angry and disappointed yesterday that I don't believe in the team,” hr stated.
“I believe in the team because I built it. I know we have good players, and I know this team is able to qualify for the AFCON.”
“So, I think that's what they're waiting for now to see a coach who still believes in them.”
“Then we will prepare that difficult game in Monrovia, on Tuesday and I hope we will not make the same mistakes in that game because it was very, very, very clear that we are the better team.”
“So, if we can yes, refill the batteries again for Tuesday not just physically, but also mentally, then we have to come back with a positive result. I am sure of it."
Despite the disappointment of the draw, the Bafana Bafana players returned to training on Saturday and Sunday afternoon and are determined to pick up the pieces and focus on the return match against Liberia in Monrovia on Tuesday.
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