Broos prioritizes fixing Bafana’s defense ahead of last 16

Broos was addressing the media shortly after watching his team advance to the knockout phase, narrowly beating Zimbabwe 3-2 at the Marrakesh stadium.

What has been alarming for Broos, has been the team’s inability to keep clean sheets, something which was the backbone of their 2023 AFCON campaign where they kept four clean sheets in seven matches.

They have already conceded four goals in just three matches in this tournament, something Broos wants to improve.

"There is something like attacking football, but you have to also defend very well and we need to start looking after that to put it right."

Goals from Tshepang Moremi, Lyle Foster and Oswin Appollis were enough to seal the passage to the next stage, after a stubborn performance from the neighbours.

Bafana are now likely to meet Ivory Coast or Cameroon, depending on which team finishes second in Group F. Broos has also admitted that he’s not entirely happy with the contribution of some players in this tournament and provides what could be reasons for this.

"I have to agree that I'm not happy with some of the performances and how some players are acting on the pitch, and that is something we have to work on. We have to realise that with all the progression we made over the last two years, there is no guarantee of winning matches."

READ: AFCON: Mali scrape into last 16 while hosts Morocco maintain unbeaten record

Foster is yet again proving why he’s the leading striker in Broos’ team, with the Burnley FC striker now leading with goal contributions for Bafana in this tournament with two goals and two assists.

He offers a lot to the team, with his link-up play, dropping deep and holding up the ball, and Broos says his criticism is not justified.

He also says the play and the movement around him, has to improve.

At halftime, with the team under pressure—Broos brought on Mamelodi Sundowns midfield workhorse Bathusi Aubaas in the place of Sphephelo Sithole, who was on a yellow card and not having a good game.

The midfield was stabilized as Broos explains the reason behind this change...

"Bathusi did very well when he came in. We had more pace on the ball, and his passing was good. Yaya lost the ball a little too easily and I think he took the wrong decisions.

"We can use Bathusi in the knockouts after his performance today."

Bafana Bafana will remain at their base camp in Marrakech for the next few days and only travel to Rabat later in the week, ahead of the last 16 match.