Coach Hugo Broos has plenty to ponder before June, but with strikes like Mbokazi’s "cracker", the spark is definitely there. Photo: Ayanda Ndamane Independent Media
Image: Ayanda Ndamane Independent Media
Coach Hugo Broos has plenty to ponder before June, but with strikes like Mbokazi’s "cracker", the spark is definitely there. Photo: Ayanda Ndamane Independent Media
Image: Ayanda Ndamane Independent Media
Coach Hugo Broos has plenty to ponder before June, but with strikes like Mbokazi’s "cracker", the spark is definitely there. Photo: Ayanda Ndamane Independent Media
Image: Ayanda Ndamane Independent Media
Khuliso Mudau celebrates Bafana's goal. Ayanda Ndamane Independent Media
Image: Ayanda Ndamane Independent Media
The DHL Stadium was absolutely buzzing on Tuesday night as a sold-out Cape Town crowd turned up to see Bafana Bafana take on Panama. These raw, high-energy shots by Ayanda Ndamane capture the drama of a night where the scoreline only told half the story.
The big moment of the night was undoubtedly Mbekezeli Mbokazi’s absolute "cracker" from distance. His celebration says it all — pure, unadulterated joy that sent the Mother City fans into a frenzy. It’s great to see the brotherhood on the pitch too, with teammates like Khuliso Mudau right there to swarm the goal-scorer.
Sure, the 2–1 result went the way of the visitors, but these moments show a team that’s finding its rhythm and fighting for every millimetre. Head coach Hugo Broos and his technical team will now return to the drawing board to contemplate all they have learnt this past week as they decide on their final squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Lyle Foster misses an opportunity to score against Panama. Phot: Ayanda Ndamane Independent Media
Image: Ayanda Ndamane Independent Media
Lyle Foster misses an opportunity to score against Panama. Phot: Ayanda Ndamane Independent Media
Image: Ayanda Ndamane Independent Media
Tshepang Moremi takes on the Panama defence. Photo: Ayanda Ndamane Independent Media
Image: Ayanda Ndamane Independent Media
Lyle Foster in action. Photo: Ayanda Ndamane Independent Media
Image: Ayanda Ndamane Independent Media
Although the Belgian will no doubt be disappointed with the results over both matches — the previous encounter in Durban ended 1–1 — he will be pleased with the handful of positives gleaned from the matches.
One area of concern that will require immediate attention is the lack of cutting edge upfront, and Broos can now attempt to find a solution to that particular problem. There is one more FIFA international window to stress-test his theories and strategies in early June.
Khuliso Mudau in action. Photo: Ayanda Ndamane Independent Media
Image: Ayanda Ndamane Independent Media
Bongokuhle Hlongwane in action. Photo: Ayanda Ndamane Independent Media
Image: Ayanda Ndamane Independent Media
Ayanda Ndamane Independent Media
Image: Ayanda Ndamane Independent Media
Ayanda Ndamane Independent Media
Image: Ayanda Ndamane Independent Media
Thereafter, Bafana will begin their World Cup campaign in Mexico against tournament co-hosts Mexico on June 11.
The planning can now also take on full dimension, as it was confirmed on Wednesday morning that South Africa will face the Czech Republic in Atlanta in their second Group A encounter on June 18, after the latter secured qualification by beating Denmark. Bafana will then complete their group fixtures against South Korea in Guadalupe, Mexico on June 25.