AFCON 2023: South Africa coach Hugo Broos sends stern warning to the team despite upsetting Morocco

South Africa players celebrate a goal|X

AFCON 2023: South Africa coach Hugo Broos sends stern warning to the team despite upsetting Morocco

Allan Damba • 08:42 - 31.01.2024

Bafana Bafana will battle the exciting Cape Verde in the quarterfinals on Saturday, with a spot in the semifinals at stake.

While South Africa head coach Hugo Broos is over the moon after his side upset Morocco in their Africa Cup of Nations last-16 clash in San Pedro on Tuesday, he wants the team to stay grounded for the rest of the tournament.

Bafana Bafana will battle the exciting Cape Verde in the quarterfinals on Saturday, with a spot in the semifinals at stake.

South Africa's football coach, Hugo Broos, at the press conference.
South Africa's football coach, Hugo Broos, at the press conference. (Photo Credit: Velile Mnyandu/X)

Evidence Makgopa and Teboho Mokoena scored for Bafana Bafana to seal victory against the World Cup semifinalists.

"We came here (the Ivory Coast) with the first aim of getting out of our group," Broos was quoted by Supersport.

"We were delighted to do that, but you can't be certain of going any further when you come up against Morocco. On Saturday, we will once again be playing against a dangerous team, and we can't make the mistake of underestimating them."

Bafana Bafana have now beaten the Moroccans twice since the latter’s historic run at the World Cup in Qatar, having also claimed victory in the qualifiers in Soweto.

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos | Photo Credit: Courtesy

"Beating a team like Morocco is something special," said Broos. "This is a very good team with very good players, but we did the right analysis and the way we played, tactically, was the right one."

"In the first half, I thought both teams were a little bit afraid of each other. But, in the second half, as the game was more open with a few chances for Morocco, we scored, and it is always important that you score first."

"Yes, we were a little bit lucky because Morocco started to play power play with all the players in front, with high balls and very hard duels. So, they had a few chances then."

"But, after the second goal, we are in the quarterfinal and we are very, very, very happy."

Broos then showered his players in prais, who have now effectively gotten rid of giants Tunisia and Morocco out of the AFCON in his edition.

"I didn't do it. The players are the ones who did," he said. "Every coach hopes that what he is telling the players is that they do the right thing because the players did what we asked.

"They fight from the first minute. They played very disciplined, and we knew that we would have chances today against this team. But when we had the chance, we had to use them, and we did."