Hugo Broos says the result was the “most important thing” after Bafana Bafana overcame Benin in their World Cup qualifier on Saturday.
Percy Tau handed his side a dream start at the Moses Mabhida Stadium when he slotted home after just two minutes – with Benin yet to even touch the ball.
It was all South Africa in the first half and Khuliso Mudau added an important second goal on the stroke of half-time.
But despite starting the second period in similar fashion, a goal from Benin captain Steve Mounie on 70 minutes ensured a tense final end to the tie for the hosts.
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Percy Tau got an opener for South Africa!
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But Bafana ultimately held on for the win to put them in pole position in Group B, as the only team with all three points after their first game.
Following the match, Broos told SuperSport: “We started very well. In the first half we did what we had to do by scoring.
“But in the second half, I think Benin did the simple thing by kicking the ball up front to their centre forward who is very strong. They were more aggressive too and we panicked after conceding the goal because that was not part of the plan.
“I told the players at half time to keep the score at 2-0 and try to get the third one but the goal of Benin totally changed the second half but we kept fighting until the end and that is the most important thing.
“As I’ve said before the game that we’re in a tricky group because you see Benin plays and you’ve seen what happened with Nigeria. So every game will be a battle and have the result today and that is the most important thing.”
Bafana next face Rwanda, who drew 0-0 with Zimbabwe, at the Huye Stadium on Tuesday.
