Bafana draw one-all with Panama in international friendly

South Africa made a satisfactory start to the final phase of their 2026 FIFA World Cup preparations by holding Panama to a one-all draw at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban in the first of two international friendlies.

And so it ends at the Moses Mabhida Stadium #BafanaPride@10bet_ZA @adidasfootball @adidasZA @SABC_Sport pic.twitter.com/lFGVPm3X6T

— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) March 27, 2026

Panama, ranked 34th in the world, scored first in the in the 23rd minute before Oswin Appollis equalised for the home side, three minutes into the second half.

It was a morale boosting result for the 60th ranked side in the world after a disappointing Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Morocco where Bafana were knocked out in the Round of 16.

The two teams will meet again in Cape Town on Tuesday.