South Africa frustrated as Nicaragua secure draw in World Cup Bafana send-off match

South Africa’s Bafana Bafana were left frustrated in their final warm-up before the FIFA World Cup after being held to a goalless draw by Nicaragua in Orlando, a result that highlighted their dominance in possession but lack of cutting edge in front of goal.

Bafana Bafana dominated early possession with Themba Zwane pulling the strings in midfield as the South Africans circulated the ball with intent Nicaragua however stayed compact and disciplined closing spaces and forcing wide players Tshepang Moremi and Kamogelo Sebelebele into limited opportunities during the opening half hour.

The best chance of the half arrived late when Sebelebele was brought down in the box but Lyle Foster struck the resulting penalty against the post leaving the sides level at the break.

Second-half changes fail to break resistance

With Nicaragua defending deep for much of the contest Hugo Broos turned to his bench after the interval introducing Relebohile Mofokeng, Oswin Appollis, Thapelo Maseko and Iqraam Rayners to increase attacking threat.

The changes added energy in the final third but Nicaragua remained resolute packing players behind the ball and forcing Bafana Bafana to attempt efforts from range Maseko came closest midway through the half with a driven effort from the right that forced a save yet the breakthrough continued to elude the South Africans.

Late drama ends in stalemate

Late pressure from Bafana Bafana saw Sebelebele again cause problems in the box earning a penalty after being fouled inside the area.

However the opportunity to secure victory was squandered as Lyle Foster’s effort came off the upright. Nicaragua continued to defend with discipline in the closing stages while goalkeeper Adonis Pineda produced a series of important saves to deny further attempts from distance and inside the box.

Despite sustained pressure and possession, Bafana Bafana were unable to find a breakthrough as the match ended goalless leaving Hugo Broos with mixed feelings ahead of the tournament.