Bafana Bafana was left with a lot to ponder ahead of the November 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifiers and January's Africa Cup of Nations finals after being held 0-0 by Eswatini on Friday.

South Africa's underwhelming display in the drab international friendly match draw against lowly-ranked Sihlangu inside an empty FNB did not sell them as a serious side keen to reclaim the old glory days.

They were blunt in front of goal throughout the match and risked being upset by their neighbours.

Although they did not concede and managed to avoid defeat, that they have not lost under coach Hugo Broos since June 2022 did not count much.

The Belgian preferred to start AmaZulu goalkeeper Veli Mothwa while Lyle Foster, Themba Zwane, Teboho Mokoena and Khanyisa Mayo.

France-based forward Lebo Mothiba, Khuliso Mudau and Mothobi Mvala were benched.

Richards Bay forward Justice Figuareido was missing for Eswatini.

Bafana started the match on a promising note when Zwane came close after some nice exchanges with Mihlali Mayambela but his finishing was poor.

Just after the half-hour mark, Nyiko Mobbie's powerful shot drew a desperate save from Eswatini goalkeeper Khanyakwezwe Shabalala.

The visitors rarely troubled their hosts but they got their first realistic chance at goal when Mzwandile Mabelesa tried Mothwa who made a save for the first time towards half-time.

Broos could be worried about his forwards after witnessing Bongokuhle Hlongwane and Mduduzi Mdantsane missing at point-blank range inp 67 minutes.

Six minutes later, Eswatini were back and this time around Mothwa was forced to save a Mxolisi Mkhonto's freekick.

In stoppage time, Bafana survived what was almost a huge upset when Nkosinathi Sibisi timely intercepted Sizolwethu Shabalala's shot.

There was little hope the home side could come out with a positive result and they would now be pushing for an improved performance when they face Ivory Coast in another friendly match on Tuesday.