By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
South Africa concluded their international break without a win after going down 2-1 to Panama at the DHL stadium in Cape Town on Tuesday night.
Bafana Bafana controlled the tempo for the lion’s share of both games, but their dominance did not always translate to goals and lapses at the back meant they drew 1-1 in Durban and lost in Cape Town.
Panama started the match well, registering the first shot of the game in the third minute, but Jose Rodríguez’s effort went wide of the target.
South Africa gradually grew into the contest and created several promising chances. Orlando Mosquera was forced into action to deny Lyle Foster in the 34th minute, before Bongokuhle Hlongwane missed a glorious opportunity with only the goalkeeper to beat, firing wide.
The teams went into the break with the score still 0-0.
Jose Corboda fired Panama ahead from close range in the 58th minute, but that lead did not last long as Mbekezeli Mbokazi got the better of Orlando Mosquera from outside the box as the South African found the top-left corner eight minutes later.
South Africa switched off defensively in the 77th minute, their marking completely failing as Jiovany Ramos tapped in from close range, allowing Panama to cling on for a 2-1 win.