It’s quite easy to understand why Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos was happy after his team defeated Benin 2-1 in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Saturday afternoon.
The victory took Bafana to the top of the Group C standings with three points while other four teams had a point each after playing draws in their opening matches. Benin remain pointless after losing to Bafana.
Al Ahly star forward Percy Tau and Mamelodi Sundowns defender Khuliso Mudau scored Bafana’s goals while Steve Michel Mounie netted for the visitors.
“It’s very difficult to have a game that everything is going to the plan. First of all, I’m very happy at least we played for the crowd. That was a very long time ago I didn’t see a crowd like this since I’m here as a coach, thanks to the Durban people,” Broos said.
“Secondly, I think we started good, the first half we did what we have to do, also scoring. But second half, I think Benin played a simple game, kicking the ball in front to the centre forwards. They were more aggressive, too. We panicked a little bit.”
Meanwhile, Benin coach Gernot Rohr admitted that they didn’t start well during the match and conceding goals early and late in the first half killed them.
“We had a very difficult first half, conceding the goals in the worst moments. The reaction in the second half was good. We played much better,” Rohr remarked.
