Wasteful Bafana Bafana held by Panama in Durban as World Cup preparations continue

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Wasteful Bafana Bafana held by Panama in Durban as World Cup preparations continue
Oswin Appollis of Bafana Bafana against Panama - Image: Courtesy

Bafana Bafana and Panama played to a 1-1 draw in an international friendly game that was staged at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Friday night.

Both teams were using the game to prepare for the forthcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup to be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada in two-months time.

Bafana Bafana punished for missing chances

The hosts dominated proceedings from the firist whistle, as the Central African nation took time to settle.

Orlando Pirates star Oswin Appollis could have done better in the 20th minute when he was slipped in, but he just couldn’t beat goalkeeper who made himself big.

A minute later, a mistake by Martin Krug allowed Foster to steal the ball and round the custodian. nevertheless, he just couldn’t put the ball into an empty net much to the relief of their opponents.

The missed chances came back to haunt Bafana Bafana in the 23rd minute as 32-year-old winger Edgar Barcenas was let loose in the area, picked his spot before beating Ronwen Williams with a low drive.

Tshepang Moremi and Teboho Mokoena are the other players who were denied by the shot stopper in the first half as Hugo Broos’ men ended the game on a high.

Bafana Bafana deliver after the break

South Africa continued from where they stopped before the break, pinning their opponents in their own half, a tactic that paid dividends just three minutes after the restart.

A cross from the left found Khuliso Mudau, who headed the ball down for Appollis to unleash an unstoppable shot to make it 1-1.

Burnley striker Lyle Foster, who had been wasteful, had a chance to get an assist in the 69th minute. But despite having Appollis wide, waiting for the pass which could have resulted in a simple tap-in, the Orlando Pirates product went for goal and missed the chance.

With 10 minutes to go, Bafana Bafana’s back four was opened by Panama. Cesar Yanis got a massive chance just outside the goal, but his hard-hit short came off the upright with Williams well beaten.

Eventually, spoils were shared ahead of the second meeting on Tuesday at the DHL Stadium in Cape Town.

<!-- 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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