CAPE TOWN – Bafana Bafana were held to a 1-1 draw by Panama in an entertaining international friendly at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Friday night.
The visitors made a bright start and were rewarded in the 23rd minute when Edgar Barcenas found the back of the net to give Panama an early advantage. South Africa struggled to find rhythm in the opening half, with Panama’s organised structure and quick transitions causing problems for the home side.
Despite a few promising moments, Bafana went into the break trailing 1-0, with head coach Hugo Broos left searching for a response from his side.
That response came shortly after the restart. Just three minutes into the second half, winger Oswin Appollis levelled matters with a well-taken finish in the 48th minute, bringing the home crowd back into the contest. The goal sparked renewed energy from Bafana, who began to apply more pressure and show greater intent going forward.
In the end, the teams had to settle for a share of the spoils in what proved to be a competitive and valuable test for both nations.
Bafana Bafana will now turn their attention to the second friendly against Panama, set to take place in Cape Town on Tuesday.
And so it ends at the Moses Mabhida Stadium #BafanaPride@10bet_ZA @adidasfootball @adidasZA @SABC_Sport pic.twitter.com/lFGVPm3X6T
— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) March 27, 2026
