Bafana Bafana played to a 1–1 draw against Panama in an international friendly at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Friday night.
South Africa started on the front foot, dominating possession and creating early chances but failing to convert. Oswin Appollis was denied in the 20th minute, before Lyle Foster missed a golden opportunity moments later after rounding the goalkeeper.
The missed chances proved costly as Édgar Bárcenas gave Panama the lead in the 23rd minute, finishing calmly past Ronwen Williams.
Bafana Bafana continued to press and were rewarded early in the second half. A well-worked move saw Khuliso Mudau set up Appollis, who made no mistake to equalise at 1–1.
Both sides had chances to win the match late on, but neither could find the breakthrough as the game ended level.
Head coach Hugo Broos expressed satisfaction with the overall performance despite the result:
“I think we played good football. Everything was good; we just didn’t get the goals.”
Panama coach Thomas Christiansen pointed to fatigue but acknowledged the challenge:
“We knew exactly what we were going to find here in South Africa. They are very good with the ball, and that was our problem.”
The two sides will meet again on Tuesday at the DHL Stadium in Cape Town.
Image : Mazilitha