Zwane Themba of South Africa challenged by Orozco Traña Oliver Samuel of Nicaragua during the International Friendly match between South Africa and Nicaragua at Orlando Amstel Arena, Soweto on the 29 May 2026 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Friday May 29, 2026. 20:40
South Africa were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by Nicaragua in their final World Cup send-off international friendly at Orlando Amstel Arena in Soweto on Friday night.
The result extended Bafana’s winless streak to four games. Hugo Broos’ side used the match to gain valuable match practice ahead of next week’s friendly against Jamaica and their 2026 FIFA World Cup opener against co-hosts Mexico on 11 June.
Nicaragua, ranked 131st in the world, produced a solid defensive effort to frustrate the higher-ranked South Africans (60th) and will head into their 6 June clash against Paraguay with growing confidence.
Kamogelo Sebelebele was a constant threat to the visitors’ defence. He created a clear opening for veteran Themba Zwane in the 15th minute, but Zwane was unable to convert from close range.
Bafana dominated possession and earned a penalty just before half-time after Sebelebele was fouled in the box.
However, Lyle Foster’s effort from the spot hit the woodwork, keeping the score level at the break.After the interval, Broos introduced fresh legs, but Nicaragua goalkeeper Adonis Pineda stood tall.
The 29-year-old denied Relebohile Mofokeng in the 49th minute, Thalente Mbatha in the 55th, and Oswin Appollis in the 68th.
Pineda delivered the decisive moment in the 82nd minute with a brilliant double save — first pushing away Mofokeng’s free-kick, then punching Sphephelo Sithole’s header to safety, ensuring that the game ended in a 0-0 draw.
South Africa 0
Nicaragua 0
South Africa: Ricardo Goss (Chaine 46′), Thabang Matuludi, Ime Okon (Sibisi 67′), Olwethu Makhanya, Samukele Kabini (Cross 67′), Sphephelo Sithole, Themba Zwane (Mofokeng 46′), Thalente Mbatha (Adams 67′), Kamogelo Sebelebele (Maseko 46′), Tshepang Moremi (Appollis 46′), Lyle Foster (Rayners 46′)
Nicaragua: Adonis Pineda, Joab Gutiérrez, Justing Cano, Ebert Martínez, Leyner Moses (Rivera 46′), Raheem Cole, Jason Coronel (Salinas 86′), Jacob Montes (Zamora 69′), Oliver Orozco (Bello 46′), Jonathan Moncada (Talavera 86′), Jorge García (Castillo 70′).