Hugo Broos, South Africa head coach reacts during the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers 2026 match between Lesotho and South Africa at Free State Stadium, in Bloemfontein on 05 September 2025 ©Phakamisa Lensman/BackpagePix
South Africa’s head coach, Hugo Broos, has commented on Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey’s goal against his team.
Broos witnessed Bafana Bafana’s 1-1 tie with Nigeria in Tuesday’s World Cup qualifier in Bloemfontein.
William Troost-Ekong’s own goal gave the hosts the lead after 22 minutes.
However, Bassey equalised for Nigeria just before halftime, bundling the ball across the line after Bright Osayi-Samuel’s cross.
When asked about Nigeria’s goal, Broos said at his post-match interview: “If we had defended with more aggressiveness, the goal would never have arrived, and secondly, it was a handbalI.”
The outcome of the match means South Africa still occupy top position in Group C ahead of Benin Republic and Nigeria.
Broos’ side have 17 points, while Benin and Nigeria have 14 and 11 points, respectively.