Sunday Jun 07, 2026. 10:32
South Africa were held to a 1-1 draw by Jamaica in a competitive friendly played at Estadio Hidalgo in Pachuca on Saturday.
The result leaves Bafana Bafana still searching for a win in their last five outings, blending some positive attacking signs with defensive areas needing refinement as they stay focused at their Mexico base camp ahead of the important friendly against World Cup co-hosts Mexico at Estadio Azteca on Thursday, 11 June 2026.
For Jamaica the draw delivered a creditable performance on foreign soil against solid African opposition and extended their unbeaten streak in recent friendlies, leaving the Reggae Boyz to now travel home for match review and continued build-up.
Lyle Foster put South Africa in front early in the second half, showing excellent composure with a neat finish inside the penalty area.
Dwayne Atkinson levelled matters moments later for the visitors, reacting sharply to poke home for his first senior international goal.
The second half flowed into an open and lively affair, with both teams pushing forward and creating multiple goal-scoring chances.
Coach Hugo Broos called for higher standards after the whistle, pinpointing aspects of the display that require sharper focus in the remaining sessions at the Pachuca training base.
The 1-1 outcome gave Bafana useful minutes and valuable insights as they continue their steady preparations in Mexico for the upcoming clash with El Tri.