Hugo Broos admitted Bafana Bafana’s defensive frailties remain a concern despite South Africa booking their place in the Afcon 2025 knockout rounds with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over neighbours Zimbabwe.

The Belgian coach praised his side’s attacking intent but was frustrated by recurring lapses that allowed Zimbabwe back into the contest.

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“We started very well with good football and good ball circulation until we scored,” Broos said. “Then, for one or another reason, we made the same mistakes as in the previous games – bad passes, not taking up our positions anymore – and you give the opponent the opportunity to be dangerous.”

Broos was particularly unhappy with how easily his side conceded.

“When you see how the first goal is made, a guy runs past three or four of our players without a tackle,” he said. “If you defend like this, you will concede in every game and that has to stop.”

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The coach said the same pattern emerged after the break.

“We dominated again, we controlled the ball, we scored, and suddenly we started doing things we don’t have to do,” Broos explained. “We couldn’t keep the ball anymore, we lost it in central areas and gave Zimbabwe chances in transition.”

While pleased to advance, Broos admitted Bafana’s defensive solidity – a strength at the previous Afcon – has slipped.

“We were known for clean sheets. Honestly, now it’s a weakness,” he said. “We have six days before the next game and we must fix that, because if we continue like this it will be very difficult to beat our next opponent.”

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Broos also defended striker Lyle Foster, who delivered an influential performance.

“When the movement around him is good and the ball circulation is good, he can take advantage because he’s smart, strong and quick,” he said. “But if we start playing badly, it becomes difficult for him.”

Looking ahead, Broos stressed that Bafana must raise their mentality in the knockout stages.

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“It’s not because you are South Africa that teams are afraid of you,” he warned. “It’s motivation for them to beat you. If we want to go far in this tournament, we have to play every game at 100 percent. If not, it will be finished very quickly.”

Photo: Gallo Images/Zamani Makautsi