Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos praised his side’s mentality after a well-fought 3-1 win over Zimbabwe in a World Cup Qualifier match on Tuesday at a packed Free State Stadium.

South Africa took the lead in the first minute with Iqraam Rayners, but Zimbabwe came back with a quick-fire response with Tawanda Chirewa scoring from a tight angle after blasting through Broos’ defense.

While the first half was tightly contested, changes made by Broos in the second half secured an important win in Bloemfontein. Mamelodi Sundowns’ Thapelo Morena came on for Elias Mokwana and scored a brace.

“Thapelo [Morena] did what I asked during halftime, to look for spaces behind the defense,” said the Bafana Bafana coach.

“You see the space was there, we used it very well. Thapelo is very quick, and he made a fantastic run.”

Bafana Bafana sit in second spot in Group C, separated only by goal difference with Rwanda, who are on top. With six games to go, Broos has called for cautious celebrations.

“Still a long way to go, there are still six games,” the 1986 FIFA World Cup defender said after the match.

“So there’s a lot to lose and also a lot to win. For the moment, I think we’re on schedule; we win the games at home, which is very important.

“So let’s go on like this, and if we can go on like this, there’s a big chance we’ll qualify.”

Bafana Bafana will play their next World Cup qualification games in March next year. Before then, for now, the team has no friendlies scheduled, but this could change with the team doing well.

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