South Africa played to a goalless stalemate with 131st-ranked Nicaragua in their final game before leaving for North America for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.
In a much-changed line-up that saw Olwethu Makhanya make his debut alongside Ime Okon, in his third cap – head coach Hugo Broos opted for an experimental XI.
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And it proved a first half to forget for the home side at the Orlando Amstel Arena where 17000+ turned up on an icy Friday night eSgodini.
Lyle Foster had a golden chance to open the scoring but saw his stuttered-penalty hit the post and out just before the half-time whistle.
For more attacking impetus, Broos brought Iqraam Rayners into the game along with Relebohile Mofokeng, Thapelo Maseko and Oswin Appollis for Foster, Tshepang Moremi, Kamogelo Sebelebele and Themba Zwane.
While their possession had more purpose as they drove forward for a goal but the low-blcok of the visitors who didn’t show much desire to break out of it, even for the odd counter attack, it was futile attempts of hoofing the ball into space and back defending.
Maseko and Appollis had the off attempt at goal – but went straight at the goalkeeper who never really had much else to do.
Bradley Cross came on with twenty minutes to go for his senior international debut and Jayden Adams was back into the fray, replacing Thalente Mbatha and Samukele Kabini but the game didn’t sway into Broos’ sides favour – as they drew 0-0 at in what would undoubtedly be a deflating result heading to Mexico next week.
Bafana will have one final run before facing the hosts on 11 June – up against Jamaica – before the Group A showdown that also included Czechia and South Korea.
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