BROOS DROPS TRUTH BOMB: How Tshepang Moremi’s “Electric” Sub Changed Everything in Bafana’s AFCON Opener.
The vibes in the Bafana Bafana camp are officially ELECTRIC after a hard-fought 2-1 victory against Angola to kick off their Africa Cup of Nations campaign. But behind the scoreline, a tactical masterstroke from head coach Hugo Broos is dominating the conversation. In a post-match revelation, Broos broke down the crucial second-half move that injected rocket fuel into Bafana’s play: substituting Mohau Nkota for Orlando Pirates’ livewire, Tshepang Moremi.
While goals from Oswin Appollis and Lyle Foster secured the precious three points, it was the introduction of the pacey winger that shifted the entire momentum of the match. Moremi didn’t just enter the pitch; he ignited it, delivering a performance that has the nation buzzing and opponents on notice.
“Suddenly, There Was Speed” – Broos Reveals Game-Changing Sub
Speaking candidly to SABC Sport, Coach Broos didn’t hold back in praising his game-changer. “Tshepang did wonderful coming into the team,” Broos stated. “Suddenly there was speed in our team, we were dangerous. We scored a goal which was offside… but yes, he was a constant threat for our opponents and he did it very well in the 45 minutes he played.”
That disallowed goal—a moment of sheer individual brilliance from Moremi—epitomized his impact. Cutting inside and leaving Angolan defenders scrambling, he found the net only for VAR to intervene. Yet, the message was sent: his direct running and fearless approach were exactly what Bafana needed to break a stubborn Angola side that was growing into the game.
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The Nkota-Moremi Swap: A Tactical Deep Dive
The first half saw Bafana struggle to find rhythm, leading 1-0 but allowing Angola back into contention. Broos admitted his displeasure, noting the team “fell asleep.” The halftime solution? Inject pure velocity. Mohau Nkota’s exit and Tshepang Moremi’s entrance was a direct order to stretch the game and apply pressure higher up the pitch.
The result was instantaneous. Moremi’s presence on the flanks forced Angola’s defense into retreat, creating space for Foster and Appollis. The movement Broos craved returned, chances flowed, and the decisive second goal followed. This substitution wasn’t just a fresh leg; it was a calculated strategic shift to seize control.
Broos on the Big Picture: “We Avoided Big Trouble”
Beyond the individual praise, Broos emphasized the monumental importance of this opening win. “We tried to avoid that because if you’ve lost the game today, then you have Egypt next, and then you are in big trouble,” he explained, highlighting the pressure of the tournament’s group stage. The victory provides a critical cushion and a surge of confidence as Bafana prepares for their next massive challenge.
What This Means for the Egypt Clash & Beyond
The performance solidifies Moremi’s case for a starting role or, at minimum, a potent weapon off the bench. His ability to destabilize defenses adds a new dimension to Bafana’s attack. As Broos’ men now turn their focus to the Pharaohs of Egypt this Friday, all eyes will be on the coach’s team sheet. Will Moremi’s “wonderful” cameo earn him a spotlight from the first whistle?
One thing is clear: in the high-stakes tournament arena, Hugo Broos has shown he’s not afraid to make bold moves. And in Tshepang Moremi, he may have just unlocked the X-factor that could propel Bafana Bafana deep into the AFCON knockout rounds.