AFCON 2023: Hugo Broos Explains Teboho Mokoena and Percy Tau Penalty Decision

• South Africa's 2023 AFCON started with a 2-0 defeat to Mali
• Bafana Bafana's Percy Tau missed a penalty in the first half
• Hugo Broos explained why he has three penalty takers

South Africa suffered a 2-0 defeat in their Group E opener against Mali in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations at the Amadou Gon Coulibaly Stadium in Korhogo.

Bafana Bafana had the chance to take the lead in the first half after they were awarded the penalty, but Percy Tau skied it.

Mali scored twice in six minutes in the second half to inflict a painful defeat on Bafana Bafana, who started the game brightly.

Hamari Traore and Lassine Sinayoko got their goals for the West Africans, who dominated the second half.

The result puts Hugo Broos' side in a difficult spot. Namibia stunned Tunisia in the other Group E match, meaning the 1996 champions need positive results in their remaining two games to have a chance of progressing.

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The first-half performance will give Bafana Bafana confidence, though. They created good chances which needed better finishing.

South Africa take on neighbours Namibia on Sunday, hoping to get their first points in the tournament.

Hugo Broos on Percy Tau's penalty

Before the reigning Confederation of African Football (CAF) Interclub Player of the Year blazed the spot kick over the bar, it seemed that midfielder Teboho Mokoena would take it.

Moments later, Tau was seen putting the ball on the spot. Many expected the Al Ahly star to score, but it wasn't to be.

Broos said the decision on the penalty taker was up to the players.

“There are three guys for the game, it was Aubrey [Modiba], Mokoena and Percy,” he said. “And they decide on the pitch. It’s not up to me, the one who feels best has to take the penalty," via iDiski Times.

“I think Teboho [Tau] took this responsibility and we can’t blame him for that, certainly not because taking a penalty is not easy."

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Sunday's game against Namibia is now a must-win game for Broos' team. Top teams have been stunned in the last few days, meaning Bafana Bafana will need to be flawless against the Brave Warriors. They are ranked 115th in the world, and their win over Tunisia was their first in the tournament, per Opta Analyst.

Fans react to Tau's penalty miss

Sports Brief earlier reported on the reactions of fans to Percy Tau's penalty miss against Mali. Fans made fun of him for skying the penalty as if he was a rugby player.

Some felt the former Brighton forward shouldn't have taken the penalty, while others thought he rushed the penalty.

More felt Tau should've left the penalty for Teboho Mokoena.