Bafana Bafana starlet Relebohile Mofokeng put in an energetic second-half performance against Panama
Image: Sibonelo Ngcobo / Independent Newspaper
Bafana Bafana showed plenty of promise in their 1-1 draw against Panama.
Here are five takeways from the match at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, as the team looks forward to Tuesday's second match in Cape Town.
A single lapse in concentration at the back ultimately cost Bafana, leading to Panama’s only goal. Outside of that moment, however, the defensive pairing stood firm. Khulumani Ndamane delivered a rock-solid display, showing composure and awareness throughout the match.
While his partnership with Ime Okon at the back was seen as a gamble by Hugo Broos, it was one that worked out. The pairing could be a good back-up for Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Nkosinathi Sibisi, especially with the demands of tournament football in mind.
Lyle Foster will be the first to admit it wasn’t his night. The striker found himself in excellent positions repeatedly but failed to convert, missing multiple clear-cut chances, including two one-on-ones with the Panama goalkeeper. For a player of his calibre, currently plying his trade at Burnley in the English league, the expectation is far higher.
"I think he showed good intent in the first half. He created space and was moving but got a bit lazy towards the 70th minute," Broos explained after the match.
His struggles mirror a dip in form at club level, raising concerns for fans. That said, he wasn’t alone in carrying the attacking burden, with Tshepang Moremi and Relebohile Mofokeng offering support and creativity in the final third.
Veteran Themba Zwane added a noticeable layer of composure and flair in midfield. Though not initially in the starting plans, his presence complemented Mofokeng’s attacking instincts and helped Bafana settle into a more fluid rhythm.
Broos explained his decision to include Zwane, emphasising the need for experience and control in key moments. The veteran’s ability to link play and unlock tight spaces was evident, giving Bafana a different dimension in attack. However, his fitness for 90 minutes seems a far-fetched dream; using him for strategic points will be the likely option.
“There’s still a game in June, but we don’t have so many games to let him play, so it’s important to know where he is physically. Technically, football-wise, we know there’s no problem, but physically ... we'll have to see," Broos told media after the Panama game.
If there was one player who truly injected life into the contest, it was Relebohile Mofokeng. Introduced as a substitute, he immediately began driving into central areas, cutting through Panama’s structure with confidence and intent.
His movement across the edge of the box and willingness to take on defenders created new attacking avenues. Mofokeng’s performance not only energised the team but also excited fans, hinting at a bright future.
Few players have been as consistently thrilling this season as Oswin Appollis. Once again, he proved why he’s become a mainstay in the national setup. Every time he touched the ball, there was a sense of anticipation, and he delivered by scoring Bafana’s equaliser early in the second half.
Appollis has been in exceptional form on the international stage, building on his performances during last year’s World Cup qualifiers. Right now, he makes a strong case as one of South Africa’s most in-form players, both for Bafana and at club level for Orlando Pirates.