Hugo Broos laments bad luck after Bafana Bafana AFCON exit

After a dominant start, Bafana's failure to convert clear-cut chances proved costly and ultimately shaped the outcome of the contest. South Africa dictated the early tempo and could have taken control of the tie with better finishing, but Cameroon weathered the pressure and struck at crucial moments.

The Indomitable Lions went into the break in front before making life more difficult for Bafana by adding a second goal shortly after the interval.

Reflecting on the opening stages, Broos felt the game could have been decided early.

"I think we started very well in the game where we had chances to score, I think if we score then we can never lose the game but ok," Broos told SABC Sport.

"Then we had a little bit unluck with the corner, the player shoots, he is blocked, it falls again at the feet of player, he shoots and scores for the 1-0."

Despite the setback, the Belgian mentor remained encouraged by his side's approach before halftime, before Cameroon scored the second goal.

"But I was happy with what we brought in the first half so we thought to go all in the second," he said.

"And then after a few minutes in the second half we concede a second goal," Broos added.

Chasing the game, Bafana continued to create openings but found no way through until late.

"And then that's a little bit a pity because we now had to score two goals. We had the chances to score two goals and have a draw, but it was not our day," he concluded, admitting disappointment but satisfied with the overall performance.