Ime Okon calls for defensive fix as Bafana Bafana chase Panama win

Hugo Broos' side were held to a 1-1 draw at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Friday, despite dominating large spells of the game and creating several clear scoring opportunities.

For Okon, the result highlighted the fine margins at international level, with defensive lapses proving decisive. Panama's equaliser came after a giveaway from Khuliso Mudau, while Okon himself admitted there were moments the team could have managed better late on.

"I think we've now seen how they play. Our preparation for the next game will be much better, and we are hoping to get the win," said Okon.

Despite the setback, the young centre-back took positives from the overall display, insisting Bafana controlled the match and showed encouraging signs going forward.

"I think we played very well. It was just a lapse of concentration from us. Besides that, we dominated the whole game," he added.

Attention now shifts to the return fixture at Cape Town Stadium, where Bafana will look to convert dominance into victory. However, selection could pose a fresh challenge for Okon, with Mbekezeli Mbokazi pushing for a recall to the starting line-up.

Head coach Hugo Broos, though, was encouraged by Okon's partnership with Khulumani Ndamane in the previous match - potentially giving him a selection dilemma ahead of kickoff.

With lessons learned and adjustments expected, Bafana will be aiming not just for improvement - but a more clinical and composed performance to secure victory.