Bafana Bafana were held to a 1-1 draw against Panama on Friday evening at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in an international friendly match.
Hugo Broos opted to start with Ime Okon at the back alongside Khulumani Ndamane but with Khuliso Mudau and Aubrey Modiba completing the back four.
In the midfield, Mamelodi Sundowns duo of Themba Zwane and Tebogo Mokoena started alongside Siphephelo Sithole. It was Mshishi’s first start for Bafana in 17 months.
Upfront, Oswin Apollis and Tshepang Moremi were slotted on the flanks while Lyle Foster was played as the main striker.
Which Bafana players performed well against Panama?
Jayden Adams
The 24-year-old was introduced in the 60th minute for Yaya and brought life into the Bafana midfield. He looked comfortable on the ball and made South Africa tick in the middle of the park. His passing, pressing and tackling were spot on and should start on Tuesday against the same side in Cape Town.
Ime Okon
The young defender impressed at the back after getting a surprise start. He looked calm on the ball and showed aerial prowess. He will no doubt be in that plan to USA in the coming months for the World Cup.
Oswin Appollis
The Orlando Pirates winger scored against Panama for Bafana, and it was well taken. Having scored twice in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Appollis continued where he left offf in Bafana colours, taking his goal tally to seven.
Which Bafana players flopped against Panama
Siphephelo Sithole
Yaya was below par yet again in Bafana colours. It appears that the combination between him and Teboho Mokoena is not working. It was noted during AFCON and against Panama, it was evident that the duo were not linking well in the midfield.
Lyle Foster
Foster has struggled in Bafana colours, and against Panama, he had numerous chances to score, but fired blanks. He will surely start from the bench on Tuesday and perhaps he might be better off coming in the second half of the match.
Bafana will face Panama again on Tuesday evening at the Cape Town Stadium.