By Levy Masiteng
Bafana Bafana slipped to a 2-1 defeat against Panama at a sold-out DHL Stadium in Cape Town on Tuesday night, handing Hugo Broos his first home loss since taking charge of the national side.
The result brought an end to a two-match friendly series between the teams after they had played to a 1-1 draw in Durban on Friday.
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South Africa started brightly and enjoyed good spells of possession, but neither side could find a breakthrough in a tight first half.
Panama struck first shortly after the restart when José Córdoba found the net in the 58th minute to put the visitors ahead and silence a passionate Cape Town crowd.
Bafana Bafana responded with intent and were back on level terms six minutes later through defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi, who produced a superb long-range finish in the 64th minute to lift the stadium and give the hosts fresh momentum.
South Africa looked the more dangerous side for a spell after the equaliser and pushed for a second goal, with Evidence Makgopa going close in the 75th minute when he missed a headed chance.
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But Panama hit back almost immediately. Jiovany Ramos restored the visitors’ lead in the 77th minute, finishing from close range after South Africa failed to deal with a set-piece.
That proved decisive as Panama held firm in the closing stages to seal the win and take the honours in the two-match series.