Bafana frustrated as Nicaragua spoil World Cup send-off

South Africa drew 0-0 with a stubborn Nicaragua side in an international friendly played at the Orlando Amstel Arena in Soweto on Friday night, extending their winless run to four matches across all competitions.

The match served as an important send-off for Bafana Bafana ahead of the 2026 Fifa World Cup, where they will open their campaign against co-hosts Mexico on 11 June. Hugo Broos’ men will first face Jamaica in another friendly abroad next week.

For the Blue and Whites, ranked 131st in the world, avoiding defeat against a side ranked 71 places higher will provide a timely confidence boost ahead of their next assignment against 2026 World Cup-bound Paraguay on 6 June.

Kamogelo Sebelebele proved a major problem for the Blue and Whites’ defence right from the start. In the 15th minute, Sebelebele carved out an excellent opportunity for veteran Themba Zwane, but the playmaker was unable to make proper contact with the ball from close range.

With Bafana dominating possession, Sebelebele kept causing problems for the Nicaragua backline, leading to a penalty for South Africa in first-half stoppage time after he was brought down in the box. Lyle Foster took the responsibility from the spot but hit the woodwork, leaving the score 0-0 at the break.

South Africa coach Hugo Broos shook things up after halftime with a host of substitutions, including bringing on Relebohile Mofokeng, who was denied by goalkeeper Adonis Pineda in the 49th minute. The 29-year-old custodian remained in fine form, producing smart saves to deny Thalente Mbatha in the 55th minute and Oswin Appollis in the 68th minute.

Pineda continued to deny Bafana Bafana with an outstanding double save in the 82nd minute, leaving the South African fans inside the iconic stadium in disbelief. The Puntarenas FC goalkeeper first parried a well-struck free-kick from Mofokeng before punching away Sphephelo Sithole’s powerful header. The match ended in a 0-0 draw.

South Africa 0

Nicaragua 0

South Africa: Ricardo Goss (Chaine 46'), Thabang Matuludi, Ime Okon (Sibisi 67'), Olwethu Makhanya, Samukele Kabini (Cross 67'), Sphephelo Sithole, Themba Zwane (Mofokeng 46'), Thalente Mbatha (Adams 67'), Kamogelo Sebelebele (Maseko 46'), Tshepang Moremi (Appollis 46'), Lyle Foster (Rayners 46')

Nicaragua: Adonis Pineda, Joab Gutiérrez, Justing Cano, Ebert Martínez, Leyner Moses (Rivera 46'), Raheem Cole, Jason Coronel (Salinas 86'), Jacob Montes (Zamora 69'), Oliver Orozco (Bello 46'), Jonathan Moncada (Talavera 86'), Jorge García (Castillo 70').