Bafana Bafana head coach, Hugo Broos was full of praise for his players despite losing their 2023 Africa Cup of Nations semi-final 4-2 on penalties against Nigeria.
The former champions put up a resolute display in the keenly contested encounter.
Bafana Bafana forced extra-time after Teboho Mokoena cancelled out William Troost-Ekong’s opener.
It was the Super Eagles, who however prevailed in the shootout.
“Football can be hard,” Broos said after the game.
“Okay, that can happen in football. It’s a big disappointment for everyone because we feel that we played a very good game today, that we played a very good AFCON.
“I’m very, very proud of it. I’m proud of my players. The disappointment is this, but the proudness is that.”
Bafana Bafana will face Congo Democratic Republic in the third-place final on Saturday.