Bafana Bafana’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup suffered a setback following a morale-sapping 0-0 draw with Nicaragua at the Orlando Amstel Arena in Soweto on Friday evening.
Firing blanks against opponents ranked 131 in the world, South Africa coach Hugo Broos could be a worried man ahead of the more challenging global football tournament that awaits them. What was supposed to be a World Cup send-off party for Bafana might have left their Belgian coach with some serious concerns, especially up front.
But Bross could pick some positives from the tie in some indicators on the areas he needs to work on. In mind is the June 11 World Cup opener against Mexico at the intimidating Azteca Stadium.
Going into Friday’s encounter, Bafana had registered just one victory in their last five games. They had also lost thrice and drawn once. There was pressure to cultivate a winning mentality ahead of the World Cup, after failing to win three successive matches. The three encounters were the 2025 AFCON defeat to Cameroon, a draw with Panama, and a defeat by the same CONCACAF side in March.
For a second successive match, Bafana coach Hugo Broos dropped captain Ronwen Williams from the lineup, but this time with Ricardo Goss starting. Relebohile Mofokeng and Teboho Mokoena joined Williams on the substitutes list.
Centre-back Olwethu Makhanya was handed his maiden Bafana senior national team cap, partnering Ime Okon in the heart of defence. This was as Mbekezeli Mbokazi sat on the bench.
Orlando Pirates star Kamogelo Sebelebele was thrown to start as a right winger. There was scrutiny on captain-of-the-day Themba Zwane to see if he could awaken the creative beast in him. He was being supported by central midfielders Thalente Mbatha and Siphephelo Sithole, as well as Tshepang Moremi and Sebelebele on the flanks.
Polokwane City right-back Thabang Matuludi replaced Khuliso Mudau, while Samukelo Kabini operated as the other wing-back. Leading the strikeforce was Lyle Foster, looking to feed on the supply from Zwane, Moremi and Sebelebele.
FOSTER MISSES FIRST-HALF PENALTY FOR BAFANA BAFANA
South Africa’s entries into the final third were not convincing in the first half, and they lacked that bite in attack. Uncharacteristic of Zwane, he miscued his effort at point-blank range. The Mamelodi Sundowns skipper was trying to connect a cross from Sebelebele with Nicaragua goalkeeper Adonis Pineda out of position.
Broos’ men did well to limit Nicaragua’s attacks, but Raheem Cole had his shot over the bar midway through the opening half in what was a faint chance. Just after the half-hour mark, a busy Sebelebele had his attempt at goal blocked by defender Evert Martinez.
Bafana then won a penalty two minutes before the break after Nicaragua defender Justing Cano tripped Sebelebele. Up-stepped Foster to take the kick, but the Bunley FC man was denied by the woodwork.
BROOS TRIES NEW BAFANA BAFANA ATTACKING COMBINATION WITH HALFTIME CHANGES
The Bafana coach pulled out Goss for Sipho Chaine while also sending on Mofokeng, Oswin Appollis, Thapelo Maseko and Iqraam Rayners at the beginning of the second half. Zwane, Foster, Sebelebele and Moremi were withdrawn.
Just after the restart, Appollis made his presence felt by forcing Pineda to parry his shot to safety. More changes were to come from Broos, who took out Okon for Nkosinathi Sibisi, introduced Jayden Adams for Mbatha. Kaizer Chiefs’ Bradley Cross made his debut after replacing Kabini.
Broos might not be happy after witnessing his men lifeless in attack, and lacked some creativity as well. Even some pressure in the dying stages of the contest could not yield any goals.
Six minutes of stoppage time were not enough for Bafana to find a breakthrough from what was a one-sided affair in terms of exchanges. From 21 attempts at goal and seven shots on target, none went through against opponents who had tried at goal three times and had no single shot on target.
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