Bafana Bafana defender Rushine De Reuck has opened up on the controversial clash with Ghana, saying he feels the opportunity of getting a result in the match was taken away from them.

The 25-year-old is engulfed by all the controversy after he was adjudged to have found Daniel Amartey inside the box, with Senegalese referee Maguette N’Diaye awarding a penalty in favour of Ghana.

As a result, De Reuck was shown a yellow card and the Black Stars given a penalty, which was converted by Ghana captain Andre Ayew.

The Mamelodi Sundowns defender has now spoken out for the first time since this past Sunday, admitting it was a painful experience for him, especially with the backing and support of the whole nation behind them.

“It’s been a tough few days, not only for myself but anybody that’s part of Bafana,” an emotional De Reuck said at a media conference on Wednesday.

“To go out the way we did was very painful. We worked very hard to put ourselves in a good situation.

“It was very tough for us the way we did [go out]. Talking about the game, especially, it obviously was a very big game.

“We knew what it meant for the country, we were all excited to play against top players that played in Champions League, LaLiga, but I felt the opportunity of getting a result in the match was taken away from us.

“It felt rehearsed, like everyone knew what was going to happen, from the referees, the players, the ball boys.

“In the first 10 minutes, we already knew what was going on but we tried to keep our cool.

“As players, I feel we deserve a second chance. It was heartbreaking, because I know what the result would have meant for not just myself, the players, our families. It really broke me.

“I just want to say thank you to all for your support, all the messages have helped me so much.”