Oswin Appollis on target as Bafana settle for draw with Panama

Bafana Bafana played to a 1-1 draw with Panama in an international friendly match at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Friday night.

Hugo Broos' men were stunned in the 11th minute as Yoel Barcenas pounced on a schoolboy error from Khuliso Mudau to give the visitors the lead.

Aubrey Modiba saw his freekick saved by Luis Mejia in the 29th minute, before Tshepang Moremi came close to levelling matters five minutes later, but his shot went agonisingly wide.

The Panama shot-stopper was forced off with an injury shortly, with Orlando Mosquera stepping in his place.

Mosquera was instantly called to action as Teboho Mokoena unleashed a scorcher, but the goalie was equal to the task with a top drawer save, before denying Lyle Foster on the stroke of half-time.

Broos' troops made their intentions clear in the second stanza, with Oswin Appollis restoring parity for Bafana as he connected with a header from Mudau, beating Mosquera in the 48th minute.

Bafana had a late scare in the match after yet another defensive error - this time from newcomer Ime Okon, who was casual on the ball, but Cesar Yanis' shot hit the post in the 81st minute.

The two teams couldn't find the decisive goal and will be eager to win in their second meeting at the DHL Stadium on Tuesday, 31 March.

Hlayisani Magoro

Editorfr, en

Football journalist from South Africa covering African football news, exclusive stories and key events while sharing insights with passionate fans of the game.