Oswin Appollis Impresses As Bafana Bafana Avoid Defeat Against Panama in Durban
- Bafana Bafana failed to win their first clash against Panama at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban
- The South African men's national team were held to a draw in front of a packed stadium in Durban on Friday evening
- Orlando Pirates forward Oswin Appollis was one of the players who impressed against the North American nation
Bafana Bafana and Panama's first clash in their double-legged friendly games in South Africa ended in a draw at the Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban, on Friday, March 27, 2026.
Source: Twitter
The visitors took the lead courtesy of a goal from Édgar Bárcenas in the first half, but Orlando Pirates summer signing Oswin Appollis levelled the game in the opening stages of the second 45 minutes of the tie.
The match against the North American nation served as a preparatory game ahead of the FIFA World Cup later this year. Bafana Bafana qualified for the competition during the qualifying phase and have been placed in Group A alongside one of the co-hosts.
Panama hold Bafana Bafana in SA
Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos opted to start Germany-based defender Ime Okon alongside Mamelodi Sundowns star Khulumani Ndamane. At the same time, Themba Zwane, Tshepang Moremi and Oswin Appollis supported Lyle Foster in attack.
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The home side controlled possession early on, with Teboho Mokoena and Sphephelo Sithole heavily involved in midfield, while Aubrey Modiba and Zwane combined effectively on the left flank.
Bafana had to wait until the 20th minute for a clear opening, as Appollis broke through on the right, but Panama goalkeeper Luis Mejía superbly saved his effort.
That missed opportunity proved costly, as Panama struck two minutes later through Édgar Bárcenas, who won the ball high up the pitch, created space in the area and slotted home with a precise finish.
Panama suffered a setback five minutes before halftime when Mejía was forced off due to an earlier injury, with Orlando Mosquera coming on and quickly making his presence felt by stopping Foster in a one-on-one and later denying a long-range attempt from Mokoena.
Source: Original
Appollis equalise for Bafana in second half
Three minutes after the restart, Bafana Bafana were back in the game as Appollis found the back of the net to make the scoreline 1-1.
Bafana maintained control of the ball and dictated play for long spells, yet found it difficult to penetrate Panama’s well-organised defensive setup. In crucial moments, their attacking moves lacked the decisive final ball and clinical finish.
Source: Twitter
There was a tense moment late on in the 80th minute when Yanis struck the woodwork, but Bafana remained resolute at the back. Despite their dominance throughout the match, they were unable to add to their tally, and the encounter ended 1-1.
The two teams are set to face off once more on Tuesday, 31 March 2026, at the DHL Stadium in Cape Town.
Broos speaks on retirement plan
Briefly News earlier reported that Broos addressed the constant talks on his decision to retire after leading South Africa at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Belgian mentor has been the Bafana Bafana coach in 2021, and there have been reports about him leaving the role later this year.
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Source: Briefly News
