South Africa fullback Khuliso Mudau had a role in both goals as his team drew 1-1 with Panama on Friday in a warm-up match between two 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
A casual pass from the Mamelodi Sundowns defender after 23 minutes in Indian Ocean port city Durban allowed Panama midfielder Yoel Barcenas to unleash a low shot past goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.
Mudau atoned for his blunder three minutes into the second half by heading a Tshepang Moremi cross into the path of Oswin Appollis, who slammed it into the net for a deserved equaliser.
Although South Africa created more chances in both halves, it was Panama who came closest to snatching a winning goal in the closing stages.
More casual defending by South Africa enabled Jose Fajardo to break clear, and a series of passes led to Cesar Yanis slamming a shot against the post.
Belgium-born South Africa coach Hugo Broos told reporters he was angry with the goal his team conceded.
“There is nothing in the laws of the game that says you cannot kick the ball into the stand when under pressure — that is what he (Khuliso) should have done,” said Broos.
“More careless defending almost gifted a second goal to Panama in the closing stages. Had they scored then, they probably would have won.
“I was happy overall with our performance. A positive is that we created eight or nine scoring chances. A negative is that we scored only once.”
Panama coach Thomas Christiansen said the long journey from central America and jet lag meant that his team tired in the closing stages.
“It was a physical game and South Africa performed as we expected. They are a very good team technically. We hope to do better when we meet again on Tuesday (in Cape Town).”
He was unsure about the injuries that forced goalkeeper Luis Mejia off late in the first half and saw captain and midfielder Eric Davis replaced at half-time.
South Africa are in Group A at the World Cup with co-hosts Mexico, South Korea and the Czech Republic or Denmark. Panama are with England, Croatia and Ghana in Group L.
In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.
The Namibian uses AI tools to assist with improved quality, accuracy and efficiency, while maintaining editorial oversight and journalistic integrity.
Stay informed with The Namibian – your source for credible journalism. Get in-depth reporting and opinions for
only N$85 a month. Invest in journalism, invest in democracy –
Subscribe Now!
