At the 2026 Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) North and Central America World Cup, South Africa, the opponent of South Korea in the final group-stage match coached by Hong Myung-bo (57), dominated Panama but finished in a draw.
South Africa, coached by Hugo Broos (74), drew 1-1 with Panama on the 28th (Korea time) in a friendly at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, South Africa.
With this result, South Africa failed to win for the second consecutive match. South Africa had earlier lost 1-2 to Cameroon in the round of 16 of the Africa Cup of Nations.
Meanwhile, Panama, grouped in World Cup group L with England, Croatia and Ghana, remained winless in three matches (two draws, one loss). Panama did not show much threat beyond the opening goal against South Africa, which stood in for Ghana.
In the 23rd minute of the first half, South Africa lost the ball during a build-up under the opponent's pressure and conceded the opening goal to Yoel Barcenas, who received a pass from Cecilio Waterman. However, in the third minute of the second half, Oswin Appolis leveled the score with an equalizer assisted by Kuleiso Mudau.
Although the match was not decided, South Africa dominated Panama throughout. According to statistics site PotMob, South Africa recorded 64% possession, pressuring Panama (36%).
South Africa also led significantly in shots, 12-3, recording five shots on target. Panama had three shots, two of which were on target.
There was also a difference in the quality of passing. South Africa attempted a total of 590 passes and completed 517, showing a high accuracy of 88%. They circulated the ball more in the opponent's half (317). Panama completed 266 of 332 attempts, remaining at 80% accuracy.
Although South Africa scored only one goal that day, it created five clear chances, which the Korean defense should be wary of. In particular, the right side of the front line—led by Temba Zwane up front and the Mudau-Appolis pair who combined for the equalizer—is a player of concern. South Africa and Panama will hold another friendly on April 1.
Korea will play its final group match in group A against South Africa on June 25 in Monterrey, Mexico. The match is likely to determine the fate of Hong Myung-bo's squad advancing to the round of 32.
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