Bafana Bafana coach, Hugo Broos, ditched sophistication in favor of efficiency to ensure that his side beat Liberia 2-1 on Tuesday at the
Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex.
The crucial victory, achieved through a work-men like performance, booked Bafana a place at the 2024 AFCON to be hosted by Ivory Coast in January.
The weight of the match, and the conditions it was played under, saw Bafana enjoying only 37% of the ball, 10 goal attempts and four shots on target, with two of them converted to goals by Zakhele Lepasa 19' and Mihlali Mayambela 53'.
Despite a not so easy on the eye performance, Bafana managed to keep Liberia at only two shots on target, although they enjoyed the lion's share of possession, 68%, and 13 goal attempts.
Ugly win, yes, but very important. Sometimes in football, beauty is just an aesthetic.
Now that we have qualified, it is time to get down to some serious business for Broos and SAFA, that of ensuring that we have a strong, well prepared Bafana team for Ivory Coast 2024.
Expecting Bafana to go and challenge for the title would be an illusion, we are maybe 10 years away from really putting up a strong continental challenge, but we can compete.
Friendlies against strong opposition will be key for the team. And maybe it is time for Broos to be more consistent with his selection, which will help with the synergy amongst the players.
At best, the AFCON 2024 participation will do wonders for Bafana's chances to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
Honestly, we can't expect miracles from poor ol' Broos, considering the players at his disposal, but we can expect better than the embarrassments of the past.
A World Cup qualification, Broos, our good Sir, please.
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