Foster misses penalty as Nicaragua frustrate South Africa

Burnley striker Lyle Foster missed a penalty as 2026 World Cup qualifiers South Africa drew 0-0 with Nicaragua in chilly Soweto on Friday in a warm-up match.

Foster struck the post from the spot kick just before half-time with goalkeeper Adonis Pineda beaten after Justing Cano fouled Kamogelo Sebelebele.

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It was a disappointing send-off for South Africa, who travel to World Cup co-hosts Mexico on Sunday, where they will play Jamaica on June 5 in another friendly.

South Africa, back at the global showpiece after a 16-year absence, face Mexico on June 11 in the tournament opener, then the Czech Republic and South Korea in other Group A matches.

Nicaragua, ranked 131 in the world and 71 places below South Africa, made their intentions clear from the kick-off on a first visit to Africa, deploying a 5-4-1 system.

Apart from the penalty, the home team created few clearcut scoring opportunities, leaving Belgium-born South Africa coach Huge Broos irritated with the tactics of the Central Americans.

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“It was very difficult to play against such a negative team. They also had a lot of injuries which upset the rhythm of the match,” said the 74-year-old, who retires after the World Cup.

“We battled to find space and I hope the Jamaicans will be more interested in playing football when we meet them.”

Argentine Juan Cruz Real, debuting as coach of Nicaragua, hailed the draw as “a great result for my young, experimental team. Holding South Africa is more than we expected.”

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