Bafana Bafana of South Africa were held to a 0-0 draw by 131st ranked Nicaragua in a friendly match on Friday.
Hugo Broos team are now winless in their last four matches- recording two defeats and two draws.
The game was part of South Africa’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Despite controlling possession and territory, South Africa found it hard to create clear-cut openings against a well-organised Nicaragua defence that stayed compact and disciplined throughout the first half, The South African reports.
The best opening of the half came in the 17th minute when Kamohelo Sebelebele drove down the flank and delivered a low cross into the six-yard area. Themba Zwane was unmarked but somehow missed the ball from just three yards out, a moment that summed up Bafana’s evening.
In the 34th minute, Tshepang Moremi tried his luck from a free-kick on the edge of the box, but the effort flew over the bar and wide.
The biggest moment of the half arrived just before the break. In the 42nd minute, Sebelebele won a penalty after clever footwork inside the box.
Lyle Foster stepped up in the 44th minute and struck it well, but his effort came back off the post with the goalkeeper beaten.
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South Africa returned for the second half with more urgency, and the substitutions added fresh energy. Sipho Chaine, Oswin Appollis, Iqraam Rayners, Relebohile Mofokeng and Pule Maseko were introduced as Broos reshaped the attack.
The pressure increased immediately, with South Africa pushing Nicaragua deeper and creating wave after wave of attacks. The tempo lifted, but the finishing touch still wasn’t there.
Further changes saw Nkosinathi Sibisi, Jayden Adams and Bradley Cross come on as Bafana continued to pile forward in search of a winner.
The closest moment came in the 81st minute when Mofokeng’s free-kick was well saved by the Nicaragua goalkeeper.
Even in the final stages, the pressure never stopped. But Nicaragua’s defence and goalkeeper stood firm to secure a hard-earned 0-0 draw.
Bafana Bafana will face Jamaica in their final friendly on 5 June, before facing Mexico in the 2026 FIFA World Cup opener on Thursday 11 June.
