Bafana Bafana's Hugo Broos demands more from Lyle Foster’s after night of missed chances

Despite Bafana Bafana creating more than six clear-cut opportunities — including two one-on-one chances — Lyle Foster was unable to find the back of the net in Friday night’s 1-1 draw against Panama.

While it would be unjust to pin the result on a single player, Foster’s failure to convert proved costly as the home side dominated the international friendly at Moses Mabhida Stadium.

Coach Hugo Broos suggested that the Burnley striker may have lost intensity as the match progressed, eventually leading to his substitution in the 70th minute following earlier calls from the stands for a change.

"I think he had a good start, but sometimes he's lazy in the game," Broos said. "I told him a few days ago we need someone who moves more off the ball and puts the defence under pressure. In the first half he did that, but in the second half he struggled.

"When he moves a lot, he's quick and strong. He can be more dangerous than when he's waiting for the ball."

Regardless of Foster’s difficult night in front of goal, Broos remained upbeat about the overall performance. Bafana Bafana dominated the 90 minutes with flair, though a few unforced errors allowed a ruthless Panama side to pounce.

The team now travels to Cape Town to prepare for Tuesday’s second leg, with Broos hoping for a repeat of the performance, if not the scoreline.

"Look, no expectations," he told the media. "But if we can do what we did here tonight in Cape Town, then I'll be happy."

Jehran Naidoo is sports reporter for Independent Media and social media coordinator of the our YouTube channel The Clutch.