Bafana Bafana boast impressive history versus Central American sides with Panama matches approaching

The forthcoming games versus Panama in Durban on Friday and Cape Town on Tuesday represent essential build-up for the 2026 World Cup. Coach Hugo Broos looks forward to assessing his squad against an adversary whose approach mirrors that of Mexico, their initial tournament opponent on June 11.

Bafana Bafana encountered Panama just once in the past, ending in a 1-1 tie at the 2005 Gold Cup courtesy of a goal by Lungisani Ndlela, although the Central American outfit prevailed in the ensuing penalty shoot-out.

Over six prior fixtures against teams from that region, Bafana have claimed three triumphs and three stalemates.

Bafana Bafana faced Costa Rica on two separate instances and triumphed each time, securing a 2-1 victory in a 2003 friendly thanks to strikes from Siyabonga Nomvete and Patrick Mayo.

The sides crossed paths again in a 2015 friendly, where Andile Jali netted the decisive goal for a 1-0 away win.

As part of the identical overseas stint, Bafana Bafana shared a 1-1 friendly result with Honduras after Erick Mathoho struck early, yet they were unable to preserve the advantage.

Bafana Bafana drew 1-1 with Guatemala during the 2005 Gold Cup, Siyabonga Nkosi providing their equaliser, followed by a resounding 5-0 friendly success in 2010 amid preparations for the World Cup, now marred by match-fixing controversies.

Katlego Mphela dispatched two penalties, complemented by goals from Reneilwe Letsholonyane, Surprise Moriri, and Bernard Parker.