It was not as open as the game on Friday, but once again Panama took their few chances and were clinical.
Bafana suffered a first home loss under Hugo Broos, and simply did not defend well enough in crucial moments.
Huge first half chance
There was not much in the way of chances in the first half but the best by far fell to Bongokuhle Hlongwane, who might have quite literally missed his World Cup opportunity. Playing in his first international since November 2023, he was a surprise selection from the start and did not help his cause with a big miss. He was played into acres of space on the right-hand side of the box, and with just the goalkeeper to beat, his shot was too tame and too wayward, going wide of the near post.
No goal for Foster
Much was made of Lyle Foster’s misses on Friday in the 1-1 draw, but this time he had little to work with in the 45 minutes of football he played. He was taken off at halftime for Evidence Makgopa, having had a lack of service and perhaps one half-chance that he could not quite connect with. Maybe Friday was on him, but Tuesday’s lack of goals was on his teammates.
Scrappy, but they all count
Panama took the lead on 58 minutes with virtually their first meaningful attack. Bafana failed to clear a set-piece into the box and in a scramble, Norwich City defender Jose Cordoba poked the ball home past substitute goalkeeper Renaldo Leaner. The keeper spilled a shot that he might have collected first time, so perhaps must take some of the blame. But it was all a bit soft.
What a stunner!
Bafana were level on 64 minutes and it was a stunning goal we all know he has in his locker. Themba Zwane, who immediately improved the team when he came on for Relebohile Mofokeng, fed Mbekezeli Mbokazi 25 yards from goal and the centre-back unleashed a power-driver of a shot that gave the Panama keeper no chance. There can barely be a player who hits it as hard in world football as Mbokazi.
Panama win it
Panama got their second as Bafana failed to deal with crosses into the box. It looked like the danger might have been cleared, but when Puma dug out a cross to the back post, Jiovany Ramos was able to head home unopposed. It was well-worked but Bafana were caught out in quite a simple manner in the end.
Incredible atmosphere
From the rousing national anthem, to the full stadium and singing all game, Bafana have barely played in a better atmosphere in South Africa. It really makes you wonder why they do not get more games in Cape Town, Part finances, part political you would have to suggest, but when they do play in the Mother City, people turn up.