Bafana Bafana show promise as Hugo Broos looks ahead to decisive Panama clash

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos was full of praise for his side following their 1-1 draw against Panama in an international friendly, but lamented the missed chances that could have secured victory.

With the race towards the Fifa World Cup intensifying and less than three months remaining before the tournament, the current Fifa international break represents a crucial period for Broos and his squad as they fine-tune preparations.

Panama are currently on a two-match tour of South Africa, with the teams set to meet again for the second time in four days. The return fixture will take place at Cape Town Stadium on Tuesday (kick-off at 7.30pm), where the focus will be on building momentum and addressing key areas ahead of the global showpiece.

Bafana entered the first friendly determined to move past their disappointing Africa Cup of Nations last-16 exit to Cameroon earlier this year. They controlled large spells of the match against Panama, but were caught off guard when Edgar Barcenas gave the visitors the lead against the run of play.

Oswin Appollis restored parity in the second half, ensuring the match ended level. However, it was a performance that left Broos and his players reflecting on missed opportunities that could have made the difference.

Broos acknowledged the missed chances but remained encouraged by his side’s overall display, noting that a more clinical edge in front of goal would have capped off an otherwise strong performance against a higher-ranked opponent.

“Everyone can agree that today we played a good game," Broos said after the match.

“We dominated Panama for 90 minutes and their chances came from the two mistakes we made.

“We had nine chances on the night and that is the only negative point from the match, we didn't score enough with comparison to the chances that we had.

“I am very happy with the performance, it was a big difference from our showing in Morrocco, if we can play the game game on Tuesday we can have the same game again, we will have the same Bafana team that we have been enthusiastic with from the last three years but I am very happy as a coach.”

There were also positives in defence, where young centre-backs Ime Okon and Mamelodi Sundowns defender Khulumani Ndamane were handed an opportunity to partner each other. Despite their inexperience as a pairing, both impressed, with Ndamane’s composure and versatility standing out.

“The whole team played well today including Ndamane and Okon,"Broos continued.

“Ndamane had already played a few games but for Okon it was his first game and I thought both players played well in the centre of the defence.

“Ndamane had already few good passes in the second half and with his passes he put played out alone with the keeper and it was something. I told him before that game that It was something I wanted him to focus on and I am very happy with his performance.”

Looking ahead to Tuesday’s encounter, the Belgian tactician is hoping his side can maintain their performance levels and end the international window on a high.

“I just hope that next Tuesday we play the same game at a high level and play good football not only when we have the ball but also when we lose the ball.

“The result is not more important but the performance is more important, it didn't want to lose two consecutive games and the players showed that they wanted the same thing, it will be a successful camp if we can win on Tuesday.”