Bafana Bafana victory, youth, depth all positive signs for Hugo Broos

Broos noted a significant improvement from the goalless draw against Tanzania, with an altogether different starting line-up, at the same venue last Friday. 

With a squad largely made up of young players, many of whom were making their debuts or are still relatively new to the national setup, the Belgian coach was encouraged by their cohesion and determination.

"I think we showed a very good game of Bafana Bafana today, there was a lot of pressure on the opponent, [which is] what we asked [for], and we created a lot of chances," said Broos.

"We played good football, there was depth in the way we played, and sometimes we kept the ball [well], so I think it was a fantastic game, for me, with a group of players who didn't play together before we started this camp."

With another Bafana squad currently in Bloemfontein competing in the COSAFA Cup, and Mamelodi Sundowns players all unavailable due to their FIFA Club World Cup participation in the USA, Broos says this depth is giving him a positive selection dilemma going forward.

"When you see that we have 23 players there, you know that there are still maybe also 23 who are still with their clubs or at home, so that [enables] you to choose now [from over] 40 players," he added.

"And this will be difficult because we'll have to drop players in September – players who perhaps deserved it, but ok, I have to make choices.

"But it also means that players will be more motivated also because they know that there are guys behind them who are waiting to take their place, and that will bring the level higher."

READ: COSAFA Cup: South Africa through to semi-finals