Bafana Bafana vs Panama: Five players SA should be wary of

Panama arrived in South Africa carrying real confidence. Their 3-0 win over El Salvador in November sealed a historic World Cup berth, and coach Thomas Christiansen has called up a squad drawn from 17 countries for the two friendlies against Bafana Bafana.

The first meeting will be staged at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Friday, before the second one at the DHL Stadium in Cape Town.

Adding more firepower to the camp! 💥 Bongokuhle Hlongwane is here as we finalize our preparations for Friday night under the lights against Panama. 🇿🇦⚽️#BafanaPride @adidasfootball @adidasza @rexona_sa @standardbanksa @10betza @freddyhirschsa @flysaa @honorza @castlelagersa… pic.twitter.com/W65Ne35iUx
— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) March 26, 2026

Panama named a strong squad as they continue preparations for the global competition.

Here are the five men who could give Hugo Broos’s side the most trouble.

Adalberto Carrasquilla

Commonly referred to as Coco, the midfielder is the engine of everything Panama do. The Pumas UNAM star has amassed over 70 international caps and won the 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup Best Player award — the standout individual honour in the region.

Throughout the Final Round qualifiers he was decisive in both halves of the pitch, breaking lines with his dribbling and dictating tempo when Panama needed to control a game. He is the first name on Christiansen’s teamsheet.

Ismael Diaz

He is Panama’s most dangerous forward. The Club Leon striker scored a vital equaliser against Suriname in the October qualifier and has translated his Liga MX sharpness directly into international football.

His pace and instinct inside the box make him a constant threat, and Bafana’s central defenders will need to be alert to his runs in behind.

Amir Murillo

The 30-year-old brings world-class experience at right back. The Besiktas defender, who moved to Turkey from Olympique Marseille, has over 90 international caps and was Panama’s top assist provider in qualifying with three assists.

His overlapping delivery and defensive aggression make him one of the best full-backs in CONCACAF, and he adds an extra dimension going forward.

Anibal Godoy

Godoy is the captain and the defensive spine of the team. With over 150 international caps, he is one of the most experienced players in CONCACAF history.

His positional discipline was central to Panama conceding just one goal across the entire Second Round qualifying group, and he will be tasked with stifling Bafana’s creative midfield.