By Michael Madyira
Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos breathed a sigh of relief after witnessing his side narrowly escape home humiliation in the 2-2 draw with Uganda on Friday.
Substitute Thalente Mbatha saved the day for Bafana with an injury-time strike to earn a point for South Africa in this Group K Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
Lyle Foster had thrust the home side ahead before they trailed after two quick goals by Uganda.
Broos admitted they played second fiddle to their visitors and disaster was looming.
“From the beginning, it was clear that Uganda were much sharper than we were,” the Belgian told Safa media.
“That was something I was afraid of before the game. You see we come out of the dressing room not sharp and we are 2-1 down in two or three minutes.”
“But the reaction after that and also the changes we made in the team made us come back to have that point we needed.”
“It would have been a disaster had we lost the game but that point gives us a boost. I’m happy with the draw and I’m sure on Tuesday we will see another South Africa.”
Broos’ opposite number Paul Put could also not recognise his side in the first half when they trailed behind Bafana.
But Rogers Mato and Dennis Omedi almost upset the hosts with brilliant strikes.
“First-half I didn’t recognize Uganda, we were nowhere,” Put said on SABC Sport.
“I told the players in the first half it was a shame and I cannot accept this way of performance, certainly not, because we have been playing very well against Algeria and Botswana [in World Cup qualifiers].”
Bafana will now travel to South Sudan for their second Group K match on Tuesday while Uganda face Congo Brazzaville at home.
Pictured above: Bafana Bafana vs Uganda
Source: Bafana Bafana
