W/Cup Qualifier: South Africa not afraid of Eagles, others  says Broos

After an impressive outing at the 34th AFCON in Cote d Ivoire, Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos says his team are no longer afraid of any team in the continent even as he has shifted focus on the next world Cup qualifier against Super Eagles of Nigeria.

Aside from finishing third in Cote d Ivoire beating DR Congo on penalties, Bafana Bafana went through excrutiating battle against Super Eagles in the semifinals losing to the Nigerian side 4-2 on penalties after the game ended 1-1 in regulation and extra time.

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As part of the build up to the qualifier Broos has maintained steady improvement in the shape up friendlies earning a 1-1 draw against Andorra and another 3-3 draw against Algeria.

Broos insists that his players have proved beyond reasonable doubt that the fear no foes and are equal to the task ahead.

“We played against a very strong team, but I do not think there was much difference between the quality of our game and the quality of the game in Algeria,” Broos said per Sunday World.

“That means we have progressed in the last few months. We already showed that in the AFCON, and we did it again against Algeria. So, I don’t think we have to be afraid anymore of playing against any team in Africa.”

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South Africa last qualified for the World cup in the 2010 edition which incidentally the country hosted, the first time African nation will be hosting the world cup exiting in the group stage.

Nigeria and South Africa will re-enact the AFCON clash on June 3rd in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier, after which the Nigeria side will face Republic of Benin on June 10 while their South African counterparts battle Zimbabwe on the same day. The 2026 World Cup will be hosted by Mexico, Canada and USA.