Hugo Broos' South Africa have earned big praise from a former Manchester City striker following their 2023 Africa Cup of Nations semi-final defeat to Nigeria.
Bafana Bafana's dream run in the Ivory Coast came to an end on Wednesday night after they were beaten 4-2 on penalties by the Super Eagles.
The game-winning spot-kick was struck by Nigeria forward Kelechi Iheanacho in what was surprisingly his first appearance of the tournament.
Now playing for Leicester City in the EFL Championship, the 27-year-old was introduced as a substitute in extra-time and produced the goods to send his country to the AFCON final.
The former City striker, speaking in a post-match interview, called South Africa "a wonderful team" before wishing them all the best ahead of their third-place playoff against DR Congo on Saturday.
"They're really good in all positions," he said, according to FARPost.
"They gave us a good game. We gave them a game. It's a really good game to watch.
"They're a very good side. They played very well, they've been together for a long time, they know themselves. I think they're a wonderful team.
"Kudos to them and congratulations for getting to this stage. I wish them well in the third-place playoff."
According to Transfermarkt, Iheanacho's appearance on Wednesday marked his 50th for the Super Eagles since his debut in 2015.
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