Bafana Bafana undone by missed opportunities and defensive lapses

However, a recurring concern remains their lack of efficiency in front of goal, which continues to frustrate both the technical team and supporters.

South Africa created several clear scoring opportunities in the opening half but failed to capitalise, and Broos admits converting even one of those chances could have significantly shifted momentum in their favour.

"We started very well in the game, we played very good. First half, it was another Panama team that we played against on Friday but again South Africa played a very good game. We had again three open chances and again we didn't score unfortunately. So, I think if we could have scored one of those chances maybe it would be another game," Broos said.

READ: Mbekezeli Mbokazi scores stunner but Bafana Bafana go down to Panama in Cape Town

The visitors broke the deadlock in the 58th minute through José Córdoba, who finished from close range after Panama’s first real attacking move, beating substitute goalkeeper Renaldo Leaner.

Bafana responded just six minutes later when Mbekezeli Mbokazi struck a powerful long-range effort from distance, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance.

But defensive lapses proved costly, as Jiovany Ramos netted the winner after South Africa struggled to deal with deliveries into the box. 

Broos acknowledged that his team lost control physically in the second half.

"Physically and also with the changes we made, the organisation was a little bit gone in our team. You see the first goal, the player totally free on the second post, it can never happen but okay and the second goal is also a set piece,” the coach added.

“I think that is because of the many changes we did and there was disorganisation in our team but I have to say that again it was a very interesting game for us and the goal of this game we did achieve, that was playing against another team with another style. 

“Certainly not an African team, so again, I'm very happy that we have played against Panama two times."