Bafana Bafana midfielder Ethan Brooks says he is hurt by how they were eliminated but feels the team can learn from their experience playing in the Fifa World Cup qualifiers.

South Africa’s journey in the World Cup qualifiers ended after they suffered a 1-0 defeat by Ghana in a controversial finale to their group- stage qualifying round.

Much has been said about about the officiating by Senegalese referee Maguette N’Diaye after he handed the Black Stars a controversial penalty as Rushine De Reuck was adjudged to have fouled Daniel Amartey in the box.

Although there was minimum contact and players appealed against his call, the referee stuck to his guns and pointed to the spot, with Ghanian captain Andre Ayew stepping up to convert the spot kick to send his team into the next round of qualifiers.

Brooks was tearful during the media conference at Safa House on Wednesday afternoon.

“Like Ronwen [Williams], Rushine [de Reuck] and Tebogo [Mokoena] said, it’s a very good squad that we have,” Brooks said.

“We were really confident throughout the whole qualifiers, and I would just like to say that being one of the youngest in the group.

“I am glad that I was able to be part of this group and being able to look up to these guys.

“In terms of the game, we went out there with confidence and our coach mentioned that we should do that.

“With me being one of the youngest and one of the smallest, I went out there and made sure that I did give my best and compete in every duel.

“So, I did feel, though, with every duel the referee turned his head the other way and, for me, it’s just not nice to see that.

“Giving my all doing all of that but, like, I said this is a good bunch of players that you know and it hurts to go out like this.

“But we will learn and grow from this.”