Bafana Bafana’s run of form in their last five games could serve as a rude awakening for Hugo Broos side’s preparedness for the more challenging 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.
South Africa lost 2-1 to Panama in a second international friendly at Cape Town Stadium on Tuesday night. It was their first home defeat under the tutelage of Broos since the Belgian took charge in May 2021.
But more concerning is that Bafana have failed to win four of their last five matches. It is a period they have succumbed to three defeats, a draw and a win.
That win was a 3-2 victory over Zimbabwe at the 2025 AFCON, a game in which their defensive frailties were exposed. The draw was last Friday’s 1-1 stalemate with Panama at Moses Mabhida Stadium.
Defeats to Egypt and Cameroon at AFCON in Morocco shattered their continental ambitions. Now, Tuesday’s loss to Panama came at a critical moment when Broos has been working to cultivate a winning mentality in his side ahead of the World Cup.
It is a result the Bafana coach would be hoping will not demoralise his side as they face more demanding assignments at the World Cup. But before the global football showpiece kicks off, South Africa will be hard-pressed to win their last friendly match and hand themselves a morale booster ahead of the tournament opener against co-hosts Mexico on June 11.
‘WE LEARNT A LOT’: BROOS ON PANAMA MATCHES
Despite the games against Panama exposing Bafana and suggesting there could be more work to do, Broos is satisfied with the two friendlies but bemoans his side’s “disorganisation” after Tuesday’s setback.
“In the second half, we were overpowered by Panama physically and also with the changes we made, the organisation we made were a little bit difficult,” said Broos. “Because of the many changes we made, there was disorganisation in our team. We did achieve the goals of these games. That was playing against another team, with another style.
“Certainly not an African team, so again I am very happy that we played against Panama two times, two different games as well. But we learnt a lot, and in the second half we had the same problem we had two years ago in Ivory Coast, the first game against Mali where we were also overpowered.
“We can learn a lot, and I know it’s going to be a bit different when we go to the World Cup.”
BAFANA LEARN FINAL WORLD CUP OPPONENTS
Bafana are now aware of the last team that completes Group A at the World Cup. Joining South Africa, Mexico and South Korea in this pool are the Czech Republic.
The Czechs are back at the World Cup for the first time in 20 years after beating favourites Denmark in a UEFA Route D play-off final in Prague on Tuesday. Following a 2-2 draw after extra time, the Czech Republic won 3-1 on penalties.
Bafana will face their European opponents on June 18 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, in what would be both teams’ second Group A match. It will be the second time for the two teams to meet after they last clashed at the 1997 FIFA Confederations Cup, in a 2-2 draw.
Broos’ assistant coach, Helman Mkhalele, then a player, scored Bafana’s equaliser with four minutes to go.
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