Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has identified their attack as the biggest issue to fix ahead of their second 2026 FIFA World Cup Group A match against the Czech Republic at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on June 18.
Broos and his men go into the Czech match keen to recover after opening their World Cup campaign with a 2-0 defeat to co-hosts Mexico at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on Thursday. Red cards to Sphelele Sithole and vice-captain Themba Zwane saw Bafana finishing the Mexico game with nine players.
The two key players are now not available for selection when Bafana face their UEFA opponents. El Tri also went a man down late in the game after Brazilian referee Wilton Pereira Sampaio also sent off Cesar Montes.
It was a chaotic start to the tournament for South Africa, who are now hard-pressed to avoid defeats in their final two group games against the Czech Republic and South Korea.
HUGO BROOS’ SURPRISE ATTACKING LINE-UP
In the Mexico tie, Broos opted for a defensive approach, with a backline of five and two defensive midfielders. Broos unleashed an unexpected attacking line-up on Mexico, but it proved lifeless. Mamelodi Sundowns attacking midfielder Jayden Adams operated just behind twin strikers Lyle Foster and Iqraam Rayners. But the forwards were often starved of supply by a midfield that lacked creativity.
It was a surprise attacking setup by Broos amid expectations that he would start tried and tested wingers Oswin Appollis and Tshepang Moremi, with either Themba Zwane or Relebohile Mofokeng in the middle behind one striker.
Speaking to the media after falling to Mexico, Broos admitted that they were found wanting upfront. It is an area of concern he says they have to improve on going into the Czech game.
BROOS EXPLAINS BAFANA BAFANA’S KEY FOCUS AREA BEFORE CZECH TIE
“I have to tell you that we played a good game. I saw a desperate Mexico. In some moments in the game, they didn’t know what to do with the ball,” Broos said.
“The organisation was perfect defensively, but on the other side, offensively, I think we have to improve. There were some opportunities with the last pass, or the running of our players was not the right one. So I think this is something to improve in the next days, then I’m sure we can play the same game but being better offensively to have a better result.
“There are still seven days, so those guys are professionals. I think if you can’t recuperate in seven days for another game, that should be a little bit ridiculous.
“So, I don’t think it will be a problem. I think we need the next two days to get over that disappointment and also the fatigue. But from Saturday, Sunday, the guys will be ready again to have some good training.
“Also, again, we have to work on our offensive game because it was not enough today [Thursday].”
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