Despite enjoying long spells of dominance in the first of two friendlies against the Central Americans, SA were punished for missed chances when Panama scored the opening goal against the run of play. Bafana eventually levelled, but Broos was left frustrated by wasteful finishing.

Foster, who had several clear opportunities to score, came under direct scrutiny from the coach.

“For me, Lyle is a very good striker, but sometimes he is a little bit lazy in the game,” Broos said. “I told him a few days ago that we need someone who moves more and puts defenders under pressure.”

The Belgian coach noted an improvement after the break but insisted that more consistent movement is essential to the team’s style of play.

“In the first half he had some moments, in the second half he was much better. When Lyle moves a lot, he is quick, strong and much more dangerous than when he is waiting for the ball,” Broos explained.

Broos stressed that Bafana’s attacking approach relies on mobility rather than a traditional target man. “This is not our game. We do not play with a striker who keeps the ball and waits for runners. Our football needs movement, including from the strikers.”

Although Foster tired after 70 minutes, Broos said he was encouraged overall. “I liked what he showed in those 70 minutes more than what I was frustrated about.”

Broos was adamant that SA should have won comfortably, pointing to defensive errors as Panama’s only real chances.

“I think everyone can agree we played a very good game and dominated Panama for 90 minutes,” he said. “They only had chances from our mistakes.”

The coach added that Bafana created nine scoring chances but failed to capitalise. “That is the only negative. We did not score enough compared to the chances we had.”

SA face Panama again in Durban later this week, with Broos expected to rotate and fine-tune his squad.

–SABC/ChannelAfrica–