Hugo Broos comes out to bat for Lyle Foster after penalty miss against Nicaragua

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has defended Lyle Foster after he missed a penalty during their goalless draw with Nicaragua in a friendly on Friday night, insisting the striker remains a good spot-kick taker and that he would never blame a player for failing to convert.

Bafana Bafana hosted Nicaragua in their final warm-up match on home soil before they fly to Pachuca on Sunday, where they will be based for the duration of the World Cup group stage in North America next month.

Given the low ranking of Nicaragua, Bafana were heavily expected to dismantle the Central Americans, but it was not to be. The game ended in a frustrating stalemate, with much of the post-match criticism directed at Foster, who struck the upright from the penalty spot on the stroke of half-time.

Broos was quick to shield Foster, arguing that no player can thoroughly replicate the pressure of a penalty in training, which is why outcomes vary so drastically on matchdays.

“From the 26 players that we have going to the World Cup, there are maybe three that will miss it,” Broos said. “So, you can't train it. Lyle is a very good taker of penalties, and today, he missed it. That can happen. I can never blame a player for missing a penalty — never!”

Bafana will face Jamaica in their final preparatory match before facing co-hosts Mexico in the highly anticipated opening game of the World Cup at the iconic Azteca Stadium. Foster will need to use that final friendly to discover his touch, as all eyes will be on him to lead the line and deliver the goals as Bafana’s premier No 9.

Should Broos fail to spark the Burnley forward into form before the global showpiece kicks off, he may have to tap into the services of either Evidence Makgopa or Iqraam Rayners to spearhead the attack against Mexico. Continuing to force matters with an out-of-form striker could prove detrimental to both the team's tournament ambitions and Foster’s long-term international confidence.