South Africa vs Panama

South Africa were held to a 1-1 draw by Panama in a World Cup warm-up friendly at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Friday. Despite dominating possession and creating the better chances, Hugo Broos' men lacked the clinical edge to turn their superiority into victory. Panama struck first when Yoel Bárcenas pounced on a Khuliso Mudau giveaway, weaving through the box before slotting into the bottom corner on 23 minutes. Bafana Bafana hit back three minutes into the second half, as Mudau made amends by heading a cross into the path of Oswin Appollis, who smashed home his eighth international goal. Lyle Foster had earlier wasted a golden chance, rounding the keeper only to fire wide. South Africa ended with 64% possession and 12 shots but simply could not find the finishing touch. With both sides gearing up for the 2026 World Cup, Bafana Bafana will take heart from their dominance but must sharpen up in the final third. Panama showed grit to earn a creditable draw on foreign soil.