Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has explained why Percy Tau ended up taking the penalty instead of Teboho Mokoena in a match against Mali.
South Africa suffered a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Les Aigles in what was their 2023 Africa Cup of Nations group-stage opener in Côte d’Ivoire.
Despite a spectacular display in the first half, Broos’ men couldn’t contain the West Africans as they came back rejuvenated after the break.
The 1996 AFCON champions were awarded a penalty in the first stanza. Mokoena appeared to be getting ready to take the spot-kick, however, Tau later stepped up and skied the ball over the bar.
The Belgian tactician revealed that they have three penalty-takers; Tau, Mokoena and Aubrey Modiba. He added that it is up to the players on the field to decide who takes it.
Broos admitted that the penalty miss “changed the game”, however, he went on to defend the Al Ahly star. He said Tau cannot be blamed for taking the responsibility.
HUGO BROOS SAYS TAU CAN’T BE BLAMED FOR TAKING RESPONSIBILITY
“Look there are three guys for the game, it was Aubrey [Modiba], [Teboho] Mokoena and Percy [Tau], they decide on the pitch,” Broos explained.
“It’s not up to me. The one who feels the best has to take the penalty. So, Teboho [Percy Tau] took responsibility but can you blame him for that? Certainly not because taking a penalty is not easy.
“But it changed the game.”
Bafana will be looking to bounce back when they take on Namibia on Sunday, 21 January with kick-off set for 10 pm. The Brave Warriors will come to the game with their tails up having secured a surprise victory against Tunisia on Tuesday evening.
Meanwhile, Tunisia and Mali face off on Saturday, 20 January at 10 pm.
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