Bafana Bafana frustrated by Nicaragua as Foster misses penalty ahead of Mexico’s World Cup date

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Bafana Bafana frustrated by Nicaragua as Foster misses penalty ahead of Mexico’s World Cup date
Bafana Bafana players dejected after conceding. Photo: SAFA

Bafana Bafana and Nicaragua played to a goalless draw on Friday evening in an international friendly game staged at the Orlando Amstel Arena.

It was another test for coach Hugo Broos and his team ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be co-hosted by Mexico, the United States, and Canada. In the most recent friendlies, Bafana Bafana drew 1-1 with Panama before falling 2-1 in back-to-back meetings.

The friendly gave South Africa technical team a chance to see the 26 players who were recently selected for the prestigious global competition.

Foster misses from penalty spot!

Veteran Bafana Bafana midfielder Themba Zwane had an early chance to put his name on the score-sheet when Kamogelo Sebelebele found him in a good area, but he miscued the ball from less than six yards out.

The hosts had a chance to at least hit the target in the 34th minute when they won a corner in a prime area. However, Tshepang Moremi skyrocketed his effort, much to the relief of the Blue and White.

It seemed the game would end goalless in the first half, but Bafana Bafana were fortunate to be awarded a penalty in the 43rd minute – a massive chance to take the lead. Kamogelo Sebelebele did well to get into the danger zone, before going down under the challenge from Justing Cano, though replays suggested otherwise.

Burnley FC striker Lyle Foster rose for the occasion, but despite sending the goalkeeper the wrong way, the ball found the upright before bouncing to safety.

Despite managing to get seven shots, none of South Africa’s efforts found the target, the same as Nicaragua’s who produced three shots.

Goalless outing, worry for Broos

Iqraam Rayners, who had replaced Foster, came in with hunger and determination, almost getting his name on the scoresheet with a good effort just three minutes after his introduction.

Bafana Bafana’s first shot on target came in the 50th minute when Oswin Appollis’ attempt was parried by Adonis Pineda and was eventually cleared. Moments later, Thapelo Maseko unleashed a great hit that was nearly deflected past the custodian, who reacted sharply to keep it 0-0.

In the 81st minute, Evidence Makgopa thought he had finally scored, only for Pineda to make a goal-line clearance. It eventually ended goalless which was not what Mzansi anticipated. Broos has a massive task to ensure his attacking department works before the June 11 game against Mexico.

<!-- Author Start -->Willis Sob<!-- Author End -->

Willis Sob

Author

Willis Sob is an experienced journalist who has been in the game since 2009, covering major assignments around the continent.
His hunger for African football is unmatched, always getting the best angles and facts to feed the fans and quench their thirst.

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