Hugo Broos’ side failed to break down Nicaragua – ranked 131st in the world – with Burnley striker Lyle Foster’s first-half penalty miss summing up a frustrating evening.
Kamogele Sebelebele won the spot-kick on 43 minutes after latching onto a clever Foster pass, but the striker struck the inside of the post with the resulting penalty. It proved to be Bafana’s best opportunity of the first half.
Broos rested the majority of his Mamelodi Sundowns players who lifted the CAF Champions League the previous Sunday, with Themba Zwane the exception – starting as captain.
Young overseas-based defenders Ime Okon and Olwethu Makhanya partnered in central defence, with Makhanya earning his first senior cap.
The second half brought more energy after wholesale changes at the break. Appollis, Mofokeng, Rayners and Maseko were all introduced and Bafana posed more of a threat.
Maseko went close twice, Mofokeng’s free kick drew a brilliant save from Nicaragua keeper Erick Castrillo and Appollis also forced a stop. Bradley Cross earned his debut late on.
But the goal never came.
Bafana head to their World Cup base camp in Pachuca, Mexico with questions unanswered. At the Azteca on 11 June, Mexico will not offer the same invitation.
Photo: REUTERS/Siphiwe Sibeko
