Baxter: South Africa were not brave against Nigeria

Kamohelo Mokotjo of South Africa challenged by Peter Etebo of Nigeria during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Finals, quarterfinals match between Nigeria and South Africa at Cairo International Stadium, Cairo, Egypt on 10 July 2019 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix

by Austin Ditlhobolo

Thursday Jul 11, 2019. 15:00

South Africa head coach Stuart Baxter says his charges were not brave enough against Nigeria.

Bafana Bafana crashed out of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals after losing 2-1 to the Super Eagles in a quarter-final clash on Wednesday night.

Samuel Chukwueze handed Nigeria the lead in the first-half and William Troost-Ekong snatched a late winning goal at the Cairo International Stadium.

Bongani Zungu netted for Baxter's charges and the goal proved to be a consolation.
"It's always sad when you lose a game in the last minute. In the first half we were not brave enough but in the second we were much better," Baxter said.

"We still couldn't find that last touch. Nigeria is very dangerous and have some very good players.

"We tried to win but we lost in the dying minutes. Congratulations to Nigeria coach and team and I'm sure they are going to do a great job."

Nigeria will now take on the winner between Ivory Coast and Algeria in the semi-finals on Sunday.