Broos happy as Bafana draw with Panama in friendly

Hugo Broos insists that he is happy with performance and result as Bafana Bafana claimed a come from behind 1-1 draw against Panama at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Friday night.

Oswin Appollis scored the equaliser in the second half in a game that South Africa dominated from start to finish and could have won had they been more clinical in front of goal.

“I think everyone can I agree that we played a good game,” Broos said as he gave an assessment of the 90 minutes. “We dominated Panama for 90 minutes and it was only two mistakes that we made the entire game, that Panama had some chances.

“Their first goal, I think we should have kicked that ball into the stands. The second chance was in the second half where we played the ball to soft and we put [Ime] Okon in danger. We lost the ball and ten second later, the hit the post. And those were the only moments we were in danger.

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It was South Africa’s blunt attack that caused Broos his biggest frustration, with his side failing to capitalise on their multiple shots on target.

“Up front, if I counted correctly, I think we had 9 chances today and that is maybe the only negative point,” the Belgian mentor said about lack of goals. “We didn’t score enough when you compare the chances that we had.

“But for the rest, it was good football. Good combination, using the space, creating the space and creating chances. I am very happy with the performance. it was a big difference from what we showed in Morocco.”

The two teams will meet again in Cape Town, where Broos says he will be looking for more of the same from his side.

“If we can play the same way on Tuesday, then we will have the Bafana team that we all know and that we have been so enthusiastic about for the last two years,” he said of the second meeting against the South American side. “I am very happy as a coach, but I am also happy for the players that they could put on such a good performance today.”

Bafana’s lack of cutting edge in front of goal was a source of frustration throughout the night, and no one bore the brunt of fans annoyance more than Burnley forward Foster.

After every chance that he missed, fans could be seen calling for him to be subbed as they demanded more goals from the national team.

“Lyle is a very good striker but sometimes he is a little bit lazy in the game,” Broos said when trying to explain the forward’s performance. “I told him a few days ago that we need someone who moves more, who puts the defenders under pressure. He had some moments in the first half, but he was much better in the second. Lyle moves a lot. He is quick. He is strong.

“He can be more dangerous when he is not waiting for the ball. I know he is also strong when you give him the ball at his feet. He doesn’t lose a lot of balls, but that is not our game. We don’t play with a target man who draws other players in. We play football that needs movement. Lyle was tired after 70 minutes, but I like that he is tried rather than being angry and frustrated that he doesn’t move enough.”

The game also saw the return of a man who is often the engine to anything Bafana try to achieve: Themba Zwane.

The Mamelodi Sundowns man was playing his first goals for the senior men’s national team since his recovery from an ACL injury which saw him miss out on selection for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

“I think everybody saw why I put him in the team today,” the 73-year-old said. “He is such a good player, and he makes us play better football. But I also knew he wasn’t ready to play 90 minutes. We had to take a chance on him and also be careful not to overload him because if we do, he will have injuries. That is the reason why he came off after 55 minutes. We will see next Tuesday how he recovers. If he has recuperated, he will play again because he needs that.”

As for whether Mshishi is being considered as an option for the Bafana squad ahead of their FIFA World Cup, the coach was clear on where he stands when it comes to the playmaker.

“I also hope that he gets more game time at Sundowns because he needs the rhythm of the game, he needs those minutes to play,” Broos outlined about what Zwane needs to do between now and the end of the season.

“You saw in a few moments in the game that he was a little too slow and the reason is because he doesn’t play enough. But again, if Themba stays fit, then even if he is not ready to play 90 minutes, he will be with us at the World Cup, that is for sure.”