'It was handball' – Bafana Bafana coach Broos insists Bassey's goal should have been disallowed

South Africa coach Hugo Broos has expressed frustration over Calvin Bassey's controversial equalizer in the 1-1 draw against Nigeria, insisting the goal should have been ruled out for handball.

Bassey restored parity for the Super Eagles in the 44th minute after captain William Troost-Ekong’s own goal had handed the Bafana Bafana the lead.

The Fulham defender powered home a header from Fisayo Dele-Bashiru’s cross, though the ball appeared to brush his arm before finding the net.

Speaking at his post-match press conference, the 73-year-old Belgian tactician admitted his side should have defended better but maintained that Nigeria’s goal was illegitimate.

"It was a game like I expected. On my side, the team who wants to play football, on the other side, a team who tried to win the game by power," Hugo Broos told reporters.

"We did very well in the first half but Nigeria tried physical to come back and they did.

"If we defended with more aggressiveness the goal will never arrive and secondly it was handball."

The result leaves Nigeria’s qualification hopes for the 2026 FIFA World Cup hanging by a thread. 

The Super Eagles sit third in Group C with 11 points, while South Africa remain in pole position with 17 points.

To stand any chance of booking a ticket to the global showpiece in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, Nigeria must win their remaining two fixtures in October and hope the Bafana Bafana falter in theirs.

Adeyemi Adewale

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