Bafana Bafana fell to a 2-1 defeat against Panama in an international friendly played in front of a sold-out crowd at DHL Stadium in Cape Town on Tuesday evening.
Jose Cordoba and Jiovany Ramos were on target for the visitors, while Mbekezeli Mbokazi scored for the hosts. It marked the second meeting between the two sides, following their 1-1 draw at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Friday, with two matches played in preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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Broos decided to make four changes to the line-up that started in their previous encounter against Panama on Friday. He opted to introduce fresh energy into the squad, handing starting opportunities to Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Jayden Adams, Relebohile Mofokeng, and Bongokuhle Hlongwane. The quartet replaced Khulumani Ndamane, Sphephelo Sithole, Themba Zwane, and Oswin Appollis.
The match kicked off at a lively pace, setting the stage for intense action as both teams aimed to make an early impact. However, there were few opportunities created, as both backlines were up to the task.
The battle continued in the midfield as both sides were exchanging jabs, with the breakthrough not coming on either end. The tempo of the match began to ease as the first half neared its concusion.
In the 42nd minute, Hlongwane missed a golden chance to break the deadlock after latching onto a through ball from Mofokeng, sending his one-on-one effort wide of the target. The score remained 0-0 at half-time.
The visitors returned from the break with a bit of momentum as they looked to silence the home crowd with an opener. The Central American team made a few dangerous advances toward Ronwen Williams’ goal, posing a threat.
Their persistence paid off as Norwich City star Jose Cordoba found the net, capitalising on a loose ball after substitute goalkeeper Renaldo Leaner failed to hold onto the ball.
In the 64th minute, Mbokazi drew his side level with a stunning strike from outside the box, beating Panama goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera after a well-worked setup from Themba Zwane.
Panama restored their lead in the 76th minute after poor marking from Bafana at a set piece, allowing Jiovany Ramos to head home unchallenged. With Bafana unable to stage a comeback, Panama returned home victorious as they continue their preparations for the global showpiece.
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