Super Eagles manager Jose Peseiro has responded to Hugo Broos' assertion that his Bafana Bafana side deserved a spot in the final of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2024) over Nigeria.
Nigeria, on Wednesday, defeated South Africa to advance to the finals of AFCON 2024 where they will meet the host nation, Ivory Coast.
However, Bafana Bafana trainer, Hugo Broos sees things differently. “So if we could score there, it’s us going to the final and not Nigeria, that can happen in football. It’s a big disappointment for everyone because we feel that we played a very good game that we played a very good AFCON,' he told the media after their loss to the Super Eagles.
Jose Peseiro's sharp riposte to Hugo Broos
In response to Hugo Broos' assertion, Super Eagles' coach Jose Peseiro offered a rebuttal, praising both his players and Super Eagles fans for their efforts in the semi-final clash.
“My players deserved it, the Nigerian people deserved it and the Super Eagles deserved the win,” Peseiro stated emphatically.
He commended the contributions of substitutes Terem Moffi and Kelechi Iheanacho, highlighting their shared commitment to the team's cause.
” [Terem] Moffi and Kelechi Iheanacho came in with the same mentality like others and our team fought well.”
Peseiro also noted the resilience displayed by his squad throughout the match, particularly during extra time, affirming their belief that they had performed admirably and were deserving of victory.
“We did well in extra time and deserved to win.”
Peseiro praises Bafana Bafana's AFCON 2024 squad
Reflecting on the intense semi-final showdown between Nigeria and South Africa, Peseiro acknowledged the formidable challenge posed by their opponents.
“South Africa are the most organised team in the tournament,” Peseiro remarked, recognising the tactical prowess and discipline displayed by Hugo Broos' side throughout the match.
Despite this, Peseiro expressed satisfaction with his team's performance in the penalty shootout, highlighting their resilience and composure under pressure as decisive factors in securing victory.
“But we were better in the penalty shootout.”
