Ime Okon reflects on Hugo Broos debut as World Cup race heats up

Although he has previously represented the national side at COSAFA Cup level, the clash marked his first real opportunity to impress Broos within the senior set-up.

The 22-year-old Germany-based centre back believes he made a solid impression as players look to stake their claim ahead of selection for the upcoming FIFA World Cup.

"Yeah, it was good. I think we played very well – just lapse of concentration from us – but besides that, we dominated the whole game. We just need to keep working hard, and we'll see what the future holds," said Okon

Asked whether Panama were the ideal test for Bafana’s opener against Mexico at the global showpiece, Okon said they were similarities.

Okon expects Bafana to improve when they face Panama again in Cape Town as the two sides now know each other better.

"I think we've now seen how they play, so I think our preparation towards the next game will be much better so we are hoping to get the win the next time."