Hugo Broos finally breaks silence on Liberia stalemate

The Belgian had immediately stormed off the pitch when Mohammed Sangare struck the equaliser in the dying minutes of the clash and subsequently failed to honour his post-match interview with SABC Sport as well as refusing a Q&A with journalists at the mandatory press conference. 

But Broos has since reacted and apologised via the SAFA media department. 

"When you see the game, it was clear that we were the better team, it was clear that we had a lot of chances but it was also clear that we missed a lot of chances," he said. 

"On the last half an hour we lost control of the game because Liberia was more powerful than we were. Then in the 92nd minute, we get a goal where you lose the victory and that made me emotional and I ran away after the 2-2. 

I went immediately to the dressing room, I didn't fulfill my media obligations and now I would like to apologise for that. I'm a human being and the emotions took control yesterday. 

I know when I feel that, it's better to not say anything at that moment and that's what I did, it's not right but I think that people can understand in such circumstances that you are taking that decision," 

The coach says he was emotional, watching Bafana squander a 2-0 lead and fluff countless chances that could have sealed the game earlier on. 

"I said to the players during the halftime that they have to be very careful, if you are going like this, we may concede a goal and once you concede that goal, then it's over. Once the score is 2-1 then the other team will get motivated and you will start doubting yourselves and that's what happened with us. Then when you see that happening and then the second goal comes, you get full of emotions and you don't want to see it anymore and you run away," he added.

Bafana must now prepare for the return leg in Monrovia on Tuesday, and Broos reiterates that he still believes the players can win away from home to get closer to their Afcon dream. 

"I think the most important thing now is that players know that I still believe in them and I still believe in them. It's not because I was frustrated and angry and disappointed yesterday that I don't believe in the team. I believe in the team because I build it and I know that they are good players and this team can qualify for Afcon. 

I know that's what they are waiting for now, to see a coach that still believes in them and then we will prepare for that difficult game in Monrovia, Tuesday. I hope we will not make the same mistakes in that game because it was very clear that we were the better team," he concluded.