Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has selected a mixed team of regulars and squad players to face Panama in 2026 FIFA World Cup warm up match. Kick off is at 19:00 at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.
22-year-old central defender, Ime Okon, who plays his football for Hannover 96 in Germany, makes his officially FIFA recognised debut since playing in the 2025 COSAFA Cup.
Mamelodi Sundowns’ 22-year-old Khulumani Ndamane left central defender is another notable starter, his two previous outings were on his debut against Tanzabia on 6 June 2025 and the AFCON 2025 warm up friendly against Ghana.
BAFANA BAFANA STARTING LINE UP VS PANAMA
The veteran Sundowns midfielder Themba Zwane returns to the national side after missing AFCON.
South Africa starting line up: Ronwen Williams, Khuliso Mudau, Ime Okon, Khulumani Ndamane, Aubrey Modiba, Teboho Mokoena, Sphephelo Sithole, Tshepang Moremi, Themba Zwane, Oswin Appollis, Lyle Foster.
Substitute: Renaldo Leaner, Ricardo Goss, Jayden Adams, Thapelo Maseko, Relebohile Mofokeng, Samukelo Kabini, Mbekezelli Mbokazi, Thalente Mbatha, Bongokuhle Hlongwane, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Evidence Makgopa, Thabang Matuludi.
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ABOUT PANAMA
The two sides have only met once before, and it goes back to 2005 in Houston during a CONCACAF Gold Cup quarterfinal.
Bafana Bafana drew 1-1 with Panama thanks to a Lungisani Ndlala goal, while Jorge Dely Valdés scored for the opposition. Panama went on to win 5-3 on penalties.
Panama come into this one ranked 33rd in the world, well above Bafana Bafana, and they’ve made steady progress over the years. They reached their first World Cup in 2018, where Felipe Baloy scored their first goal at that level, and have since qualified again for the 2026 tournament after finishing top of their group.
Under coach Thomas Christiansen, they’ve become a more settled side with a clear way of playing. Captain AnÃbal Godoy brings experience in midfield, while José Fajardo and Ismael DÃaz offer options going forward.
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