South Africa's Bafana Bafana are preparing for their second international friendly against Panama at sold-out DHL Stadium in Cape Town on Tuesday, following a 1-1 draw in the first match in Durban. Coach Hugo Broos emphasized the double-header's role in readying the team for the 2026 FIFA World Cup opener against Mexico, while Panama's Thomas Christiansen praised Bafana's quality.
Bafana Bafana are treating their second friendly against Panama with utmost seriousness, as affirmed by coach Hugo Broos. The match is scheduled for DHL Stadium in Cape Town at 19:30 on 31 March 2026, following the 1-1 draw in Durban on Friday—where Oswin Appollis equalized early in the second half after Panama's opener.
Broos expressed satisfaction with the first performance but highlighted improvement areas after a morning debrief. "They know they were good in some things, but there are some things they have to do better," he said. He praised fan support and promised entertainment.
Panama coach Thomas Christiansen noted Bafana Bafana's strengths: "They have fast players with good intensity in attacks and defense. They know exactly what to do." He anticipates the sold-out atmosphere.
The choice of 33rd-ranked Panama has drawn questions for the 60th-ranked Bafana, but Broos defended it as a solid test ahead of World Cup Group A with Mexico, South Korea, and the Czech Republic-Denmark playoff winner. He is 70% confident in the final roster.
