By Michael Madyira
Nigeria coach Jose Peseiro says Bafana Bafana were the best-organised team at the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) tournament after his side survived elimination by Hugo Broos’s men.
The Super Eagles sneaked into the Afcon final following a penalty shootout in what was a dramatic semi-final showdown.
Nigeria were made to sweat by Bafana following a 1-1 draw after extra time — but instead of feeling frustrated, Peseiro was charmed.
“The players deserve to be in the finals; it’s a very good victory against a good team,” Peseiro said post-match.
“I said earlier that South Africa have the best organisation because they play together and created more problems for us.
“I think it was very difficult to beat them. Huge congratulations to Hugo Broos, who put this team together. They played well.”
Peseiro’s approval of Bafana’s Afcon exploits comes after they arrived in Ivory Coast billed as the tournament’s whipping boys.
And after they lost to Mali in their group opening match, not much was expected from the 1996 African champions.
But they managed to pick themselves up and ended in the semi-finals.
“I’m proud of my players,” Broos told the media.
“We beat Cape Verde playing bad; we lost to Nigeria playing good. That is football.
“It’s a big disappointment for everyone. We believe we played a very good game, not just [against Nigeria] but throughout the tournament. I’m proud of my players.”
Bafana are now preparing for international friendly matches in March against Andorra and Algeria, who endured a difficult outing in Ivory Coast.
Pictured above: Bafana Bafana players Aubrey Modiba and Zakhele Lepasa join Teboho Mokoena in celebrating the equaliser against Nigeria.
Image source: CAF
