By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
@GalloImages.
South Africa were held to a goalless 0-0 draw by Nicaragua at Orlando Stadium on Friday night, extending their winless run to four matches across all competitions.
The friendly gave the technical team a chance to see the 26 players who were recently selected for the prestigious global competition.
Hugo Broos’ men will first face Jamaica in another friendly abroad next week.
Kamogelo Sebelebele proved a menaence for the visitors defence right from the start. In the 15th minute, Sebelebele carved out an excellent opportunity for veteran Themba Zwane, but the playmaker was unable to make proper contact with the ball from close range.
Sebelebele kept causing problems for the Nicaragua backline, leading to a penalty for South Africa in first-half stoppage time after he was brought down in the box. Lyle Foster took the responsibility from the spot but hit the woodwork, leaving the score 0-0 at the break.
Broos changed his entire attack at the break, with Oswin Appollis, Thapelo Maseko, Iqraam Rayners and Relebohile Mofokeng replacing Tshepang Moremi, Sebelebele, Zwane and Foster.
A host of changes made a difference when Rayners dragged shot from the edge of the box before Appollis drew a save from ‘keeper Erick Castrillo.
In the 81st minute, Evidence Makgopa thought he had finally scored, only for Puntarenas FC goalkeeper to make a goal-line clearance. It eventually ended goalless which was not what Bafana Bafana anticipated.
Broos after the match, was quick to point the finger at the opposition’s tactical setup.
The Belgian tactician felt that Nicaragua showed very little ambition to actually play football, focusing instead on time-wasting and defensive solidity to see out the draw.
“I think we can be happy about the performance of the team even within today, but if you play against such a negative opponent then it becomes very difficult,” said Broos.
“Those people came here 90 minutes and defend, kicking the ball in front and then at the end injuries, one minute after the other, so yeah it was all very negative and for us very difficult.”
Bafana Bafana are scheduled to travel to North America on Sunday, 31 May 2026, to set up their pre-tournament training camps for the 2026 World Cup.