At Orlando Stadium
The unthinkable happened at Orlando Stadium on Friday night after Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos first stormed off the pitch before full-time as his team conceded a 91st-minute equaliser to Liberia in an Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifier, before he then snubbed media in the aftermath.
Mohammed Sangare’s long-range rocket earned Liberia a 2-2 draw in a crucial qualifier.
It came as a shock to the hosts after Lyle Foster's double put them 2-0 ahead at half-time and cruising before substitute Tisdell Tonia pulled one back for Liberia in the second half.
The unthinkable has happened here at Orlando Stadium. Journalists shocked after Broos' initial no-show and then his short, curt address in which he refused to answer questions and take responsibility for happened in Bafana's 2-2 draw with Liberia. @Sport24news https://t.co/9nBnB2FMPW pic.twitter.com/OFshKhjx4T
— Sibusiso Mjikeliso (@Sbu_Mjikeliso) March 24, 2023
The two nations are battling it out to finish second in the reduced three-team group after Morocco qualified with two wins and Zimbabwe were disqualified following their FIFA ban.
READ | Injury-time Sangare strike foils Foster’s delight as Bafana blow it to draw with Liberia
In Soweto, Broos did not deliver a television post-match interview to the broadcasters, sending assistant Helman Mkhalele instead.
Mkhalele was thrown to the wolves when he faced the media at the post-match press conference, but journalists in the room refused to hear from the assistant coach, demanding that Broos face the music and address the media.
Hugo Broos has so far refused to attend the press conference.
— Mazola J. Molefe (@superjourno) March 24, 2023
We have refused to interview Helman Mkhalele. ????
Full story on @SABC_Sport shortly. pic.twitter.com/FABpMrYHg6
After initially refusing to address the press, Broos eventually appeared but gave a short, curt address, saying he was "too angry" to speak.
"First of all, you have to [forgive] me today because I will not give much comment on this game," he said.
"I will not answer your questions. There is too much disappointment, too much frustration, too much anger. If I say what I think, somebody will not be happy."
Mutiny in the post match press conference room at Orlando Stadium. Journalists refuse to ask questions to assistant coach Helman Mkhalele and demand head coach Hugo Broos attends. @Sport24news pic.twitter.com/62t1d6dS6w
— Sibusiso Mjikeliso (@Sbu_Mjikeliso) March 24, 2023