Could Percy Tau and Bafana Bafana Have Earned Themselves an Easier Draw for AFCON 2023 Round of 16?

• Percy Tau was blamed for not attacking with purpose during Bafana Bafana's draw with Tunisia
• South Africa's second-place finish in Group E has them paired with Morocco in the Round of 16
• Mali's draw with Namibia meant a win against Tunisia would have led to a tie with Burkina Faso

South Africa face a daunting clash against tournament favourites, Morocco.

Bafana Bafana fans have not expressed any trepidation about playing the Atlas Lions but have questioned whether Percy Tau and his teammates played with the right intent against Tunisia.

Firmly in control in their final group game, some have asked why they did not push for the goal that would have earned them a win.

South Africa's solidity at the back limited the Carthage Eagles to hopeful crosses into the 18-yard area.

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By the closing stages of the first 45 minutes, Percy Tau, Themba Zwane and their teammates looked as if they were toying with their opponents much in the way they would if several goals up in a league match

In the second half, their momentum was sustained but Tau and company refused to land the killer blow, opting for the more conservative approach to the very end.

Bafana's fickle fans wanted the win but the tactics from the bench were clearly to first secure the draw. Pac-man@dragzito had harsher words on X, posting:

"Percy Tau is very self-centered, poor decision-making at all times at crucial moments. In his head, he's Bafana Bafana alone & the biggest superstar."

Others suggested Tau needed a rest. Modikoe@Modikoe_NM posted:

"We need to tell Hugo Broos that is not a sin when you substitute Percy Tau."

The calmer South African fans stated now was not the time to criticise the team but to appreciate the battles ahead. Mbhele@BafanaSurpirse agreed via his X post:

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"Percy Tau and Zwane are way too smart, yesterday they chose to play relaxed football just for them to be prepared for Morocco. We definitely gonna eliminate them."

Khuliso Mudau to miss Morocco tie?

Sports Brief recently reported on Hugo Broos' update on the injury suffered by Khuliso Mudau.

The Belgian confirmed 'Sailor' injured his ankle and could not guarantee his availability for the next game.

Should he not recover, Thapelo Morena or Sekhukhune United's Nyiko Mobbie are ready to stand in.