By Michael Madyira
Firstly, an angry Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos stormed off the Orlando Stadium dugout the moment Mohammed Sangare struck the stoppage-time equaliser for Liberia.
Like a spoiled child, the Belgian then snubbed the post-match media conference, sending his assistant Helman Mkhalele to face an inquisitive press.
Fuming members of the media could not have it, they refused to entertain Mkhalele while demanding that Broos present himself before them.
A Safa media officer was at pains in trying to convince the journalists to deal with Broos’ lieutenant.
But the scribes did not budge.
An emotional Broos then finally showed up, only to make a cameo appearance before the media.
“I have to apologise today because I will not give much comment on this game, I will not answer your questions,” said Broos as he tried to maintain his calm.
“There is too much disappointment, too much frustration, too much anger in my body that if I should say now what I think that would not be nice.”
It was a very short presser with the 2017 Afcon winner battling to contain his emotions as he pleaded with the media to understand his feelings.
“I’ve always been ready in the past to answer your questions, even difficult questions,” he continued.
“But I hope that you understand that today it’s very difficult for me to do that.
“Again, sorry for that. But I hope when you saw the game, when you saw what happened on the pitch today that you can understand my reaction also. I thank you very much.”
By referring to “what happened on the pitch,” Broos presented himself as someone who felt let down by his players.
Justifiably so, Bafana players missed a glut of chances with Bongokuhle Hlongwane the main culprit, in one instance failing to beat Liberia goalkeeper Tommy Songo at close range in a one-on-one situation.
Percy Tau, substitute Monnpule Saleng and even brace hero Lyle Foster were at times guilty of not being prolific in front of goal.
While Broos might feel betrayed by his men, some of his decisions were questionable, especially the substitution of Themba Zwane for Suphephelo Sithole.
Also, taking long to take off a wasteful Hlongwane might have worked against the Belgian.
Pictured above: Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos
Image source: Twitter
