South Africa head coach Hugo Broos has acknowledged that he expected a stronger display from his players despite edging Ghana’s Black Galaxies 1-0 in an international friendly on Tuesday.
Sipho Mbule’s 57th-minute strike separated the sides as Bafana Bafana continued preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Black Galaxies grew into the game after the break and pushed hard for an equaliser.
Reflecting on the contest, Broos suggested his players may have been cautious with AFCON just days away.
“Maybe that’s something that plays on the mind as well, that next week AFCON starts and that players are a little afraid of getting injured or whatever.
“But again, I expected a little more from my team today, a better game, but yes, that can happen,” he said.
Despite the criticism, the Belgian tactician remains confident his squad will be ready when the tournament kicks off next Monday. He stressed the need to balance fitness management with match sharpness.
For Ghana, the performance offered positives despite the defeat.
The outing provided valuable exposure for the Black Galaxies as they continue shaping a competitive squad for the upcoming CHAN qualifiers.
