Broos hits out at Lesotho for making Bafana nervous as he awaits World Cup party

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Broos hits out at Lesotho for making Bafana nervous as he awaits World Cup party
Image - CAF

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has explained how his side had to overcome some tensions to beat Lesotho in their 2026 World Cup qualifier on Friday.

South Africa beat Lesotho 3-0 in Bloemfontein to maintain their five-point lead at the top of their qualification group with three matches to go.

However, the pre-match build-up was dominated by claims that Lesotho would lodge an appeal at FIFA if Teboho Mokoena played.

Why were Bafana Bafana nervous?

Broos’ men, who had Mokoena in the starting XI, could seal qualification with a win against Nigeria on Tuesday, if results go well for them elsewhere, and while the tactician is keeping hope alive, he is not happy with the circumstances under which his team played.

“What is important is that you win the games you have to win. It was not so easy today, a very nervous game with all that happened before but we did what we had to do and made beautiful goals,” Broos told SABC after the match.

“We were never in danger and with the injuries we have, the guys who came in did so well so I am very happy.”

Broos employs cautious optimism

Mohau Nkota scores Bafana Bafanas opening goal againsy Lesotho.

The veteran coach then sounded a warning to his side, telling them to stay focused and complete the job before the World Cup party can begin.

“We are still not qualified even now that we are in a very good position but there are still three games left and we are in a very good position and we have it in hand. We will try not to give it away and in one month, we will have a big party,” he added.

Mohau Nkota gave South Africa a 16th minute lead against Lesotho before Lyle Foster and Oswin Appollis added two more in the 63rd and 67th minutes.

South Africa lead Group C with 16 points, five more than Benin, and will face Nigeria on Tuesday knowing another win will edge them closer to a first World Cup appearance since they hosted it in 2010. 

<!-- Author Start -->Joel Oliver<!-- Author End -->

Joel Oliver

Author

Joel Oliver is a seasoned multimedia sports journalist with a rich background in covering diverse football stories and events in South Africa and beyond.
His extensive coverage spans subjects touching on the PSL, with a focus on the Big Three (Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs & Mamelodi Sundowns), Bafana Bafana and Banyana Banyana.

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