Trending topics:
Bolavip Logo
SOCCER SCHEDULE
Soccer

South Africa vs Nicaragua LIVE: Game is underway at the Orlando Amstel Arena! (0-0)

As one of the final preparations for the 2026 World Cup, South Africa battle Nicaragua to get their engines going. Stay with Bolavip so you get the best play-by-play analysis!

South Africa face Nicaragua in a friendly
© Zamani Makautsi & Mike Carlson/Getty ImagesSouth Africa face Nicaragua in a friendly

South Africa are one of the 48 nations that will play in the 2026 World Cup. As the tournament nears, they have to get their rhythm and hopefully, earn a win so the morale going into the competition is high. That’s why they play against Nicaragua in a friendly.

South Africa will play in Group A against Mexico, Czechia, and South Korea. In fact, they will be tasked with playing the inaugural game of the 2026 World Cup against the host nation of Mexico, something that already happened in 2010, when South Africa were the hosts.

As for Nicaragua, they didn’t qualify to the 2026 World Cup. They hope this could be the start of a more successful period with sights on the 2030 edition. The hopes are that manager Juan Cruz Real can turn the ship around.

23' - South Africa is creating all the harm from the right wing! (0-0)

Once again, South Africa exploit the right side to give Nicaragua trouble. This time it was Matuludi that got deep to send a dangerous cross that Nicaragua were able to defend.

21' - Moncada's header goes wide! (0-0)

A bit of retaliation by Nicaragua. Great cross off a free kick that Moncada is able to head, but the effort was weak and wide.

The Pinoleros at least showing signs of attack now.

16' - South Africa get close to scoring! (0-0)

Huge play by South Africa as Sebelebele makes a great play on the wing and he crosses, however, Zwane wasn't able to re-direct the ball towards the goal!

What a miss by the Bafana Bafana!

12' - Nicaragua's first shot is far wide! (0-0)

After a corner kick, the ball dwindled outside of the box, Nicaragua tried to make something out of it but Moncada's shot was far wide.

9' - Nicaragua get their first chance (0-0)

Nicaragua know what stepping into South Africa's box feels like at least, though the Bafana Bafana were quick to recover the ball.

5' - South Africa try to take the initiative (0-0)

Nicaragua immediately retreat, as South Africa seek to get more space in between the Nicaraguan defense.

0' IT'S GO TIME! (0-0)

South Africa vs Nicaragua is underway at the Orlando Amstel Arena!

Last moments ahead of the game!

The last details are being worked on for Nicaragua!

South Africa vs Nicaragua: Where to watch

The match will air on SABC, public broadcaster. There is no official broadcast in the United States, hence it's key for you to stay with Bolavip so you don't miss a beat of this friendly ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Nicaragua announce their lineup!

Nicaragua will play with Adonis Pineda; Joab Gutierrez, Justing Cano, Ebert Martinez, Oliver Orozco; Jason Coronel, Raheem Cole, Jonathan Moncada, Jacob Montes; Jorge Garcia, Leyner Moses,

We have the starting XI for South Africa!

It's a 4-3-3 attack formation for the Bafana Bafana! We see some rotations and that starts at goal with Ricardo Goss. The back four will have Thabang Matuludi, Ime Okon, Olwethu Makhanya, and Samukele Kabini. In the midfield, Sphephelo Sithole and Thalente Mbatha will bring balance, as captain Themba Zwane will be in task of creating goalscoring opportunities. Up front: Tshepang Moremi, Lyle Foster, and Kamogelo Sebelebele.

South Africa need a win to get a morale boost ahead 2026 World Cup

Welcome to our Live Blog!

South Africa are back in a World Cup for the first time since 2010, and they want to go out on a bang! That all starts with a win against Nicaragua today.

Stay with us for all the action and minute‑by‑minute updates of this matchup!

Bruno Milano
Bruno Milano
ALSO READ