South African football coach Hugo Broos has expressed his disappointment after FIFA deducted three points from Bafana Bafana for fielding an ineligible player in their World Cup qualifier against Lesotho, NigeriaSoccernet.com reports.
Despite the setback, Broos remains confident that his team will qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
I was a little bit disappointed when the three points were deducted and some people started doubting that we could qualify for America,” Broos said in a pre-match press conference ahead of their game against Zimbabwe.
“I never understood that because we were not beaten on the pitch. But if we were beaten by Lesotho or Nigeria and they deduct three points, if then you started doubting, then I understand."
The deduction sees South Africa facing a tougher challenge in their quest for qualification, but Broos is determined to guide his team to success.
"There's no reason to start doubting now," he emphasized. "We will do everything to win those two games."
South Africa will face Zimbabwe on Friday and Rwanda next week in their bid to secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup.
Broos's team currently sits second in Group C, behind none, with 14 points, level with Benin but ahead on goal difference.
By Olujimi Dare Ogun