South Africa held by lowly Nicaragua

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...As Foster misses penalty ahead of World Cup

By Maxwell Kumoye 
 

 
South Africa’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup suffered a setback on Friday after Bafana Bafana were held to a disappointing goalless draw by Nicaragua in an international friendly in Johannesburg.

Burnley striker Lyle Foster endured a frustrating evening as he missed a penalty late in the first half, striking the post in what proved South Africa’s best opportunity of the encounter.

Coach Hugo Broos opted to rest several key players ahead of the team’s departure to their World Cup training base in Pachuca, Mexico, but his side still dominated possession throughout the contest.

Despite controlling the game for long periods, South Africa struggled to break down a resilient Nicaragua defence and created few clear-cut chances. 

The visitors spent much of the match pinned inside their own half and offered little threat going forward.

The stalemate leaves Broos with work to do as Bafana Bafana intensifies preparations for their first World Cup appearance in years.

South Africa will begin their Group A campaign against co-hosts Mexico in the tournament opener in Mexico City on June 11.

They will then face the Czech Republic in Atlanta on June 18 before concluding their group-stage fixtures against South Korea in Monterrey six days later.
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