South Africa vs Nicaragua prediction 29.05.2026 | Friendly International
South Africa
Kick off:
Date:
Nicaragua
1
1.27
X
6.29
2
12.90
Contents
- Competition: Friendly International
- Date: Friday, 29th May, 2026
- Kickoff: 17:00 UK / 18:00 CEST
- Venue: FNB Stadium (Johannesburg)
While awaiting the FIFA World Cup, teams are playing friendly matches to prepare for the tournament. One of those teams preparing for the WC is South Africa, which will face Nicaragua, which hasn't secured a 2026 World Cup appearance. This game is important for South Africa, as it is pretty much their dress rehearsal, given that they will not have any more matches before the WC.
Let's break down the game and find the best possible bet for this friendly international tie.
South Africa team overview
South Africa have managed to secure the World Cup appearance for the first time since 2010, when they hosted the competition. The popular Bafana Bafana are looking to reach the knockout phase for the first time ever, and given the opponents, we can safely say they have a chance.
Bafana Bafana had really good Qualifiers, finishing 1st in Group C, ahead of a highly favored Nigeria. However, they failed to continue with such performances as they had a pretty bad AFCON, winning two and losing two games, and exiting the competition in the 1/8 Finals.
Recently, coach Hugo Broos announced the squad for the FIFA World Cup. Some of the players have been left out, but undoubtedly the biggest name among them is Siyabonga Ngezana. The 28-year-old central defender was left out due to a lack of playing time after the injury he sustained earlier in the year.
Last matches of South Africa
-
South Africa
1 : 2
Panama
Friendly International
-
South Africa
1 : 1
Panama
Friendly International
-
South Africa
1 : 2
Cameroon
Africa Cup of Nations
-
Zimbabwe
2 : 3
South Africa
Africa Cup of Nations
-
Egypt
1 : 0
South Africa
Africa Cup of Nations
South Africa lineup
Goalkeeper
-
1
Ronwen Williams
Defenders
-
20
Khuliso Mudau
-
14
Mbekezeli Mbokazi
-
21
Ime Okon
-
18
Samukele Kabini
Midfielders
-
4
Teboho Mokoena
-
10
Relebohile Mofokeng
-
23
Jayden Adams
Forwards
-
15
Bongokuhle Hlongwane
-
9
Lyle Foster
-
8
Tshepang Moremi
Nicaragua team overview
Nicaragua is ranked #131 in the FIFA World Ranking List. The Blue and White are still searching for their first World Cup appearance. In the last WC Qualifiers, they reached the third phase, but it was evident they were not at the desired level and finished last in the group with only four points in six games. Generally speaking, Nicaragua hasn't been good over the last couple of years, so they made a coaching change after the WC Qualifiers.
The Blue White parted ways with Marco Antonio Figueroa and appointed Juan Cruz Real on 24th April. Now, the match against South Africa will mark the 49-year-old's debut on Nicaragua's bench. Before taking over the Nicaragua NT, coach Cruz was head coach at U. Concepcion, Junior, Belgrano, Tolim, etc..
Last matches of Nicaragua
-
Russia
3 : 1
Nicaragua
Friendly International
-
Haiti
2 : 0
Nicaragua
WC Qualification Concacaf
-
Nicaragua
2 : 0
Honduras
WC Qualification Concacaf
-
Costa Rica
4 : 1
Nicaragua
WC Qualification Concacaf
-
Nicaragua
0 : 3
Haiti
WC Qualification Concacaf
Nicaragua lineup
Goalkeeper
-
12
Adonis Pineda
Defenders
-
4
Jefferson Rivera
-
19
Evert Martínez
-
21
Christian Reyes
-
5
Justing Cano
-
3
Óscar Acevedo
Midfielders
-
11
Juan Barrera
-
8
Jacob Montes
-
17
Marlon López
-
10
Byron Bonilla
Forwards
-
16
Jorge García
Prediction
South Africa went over 2.5 goals in three of the past four games and in six of the past nine (67%). While they had some problems with offense, they still managed to score in most of their recent games, while facing almost exclusively teams better than Nicaragua. Therefore, we expect them to do really well in this home preparation game against Nicaragua, which have allowed 2+ goals in five of the past six games.
As stated earlier, Nicaragua were atrocious defensively. That was evident particularly on the road, where they allowed 14 goals in the past five games - 2.8 per game. They allowed almost three goals per game, and we expect them to continue with such poor defensive performances even under the new head coach.
Considering all the above, we firmly believe that an over 2.5 goals bet seems like the best option for this friendly international game.
3 Reasons why we should see three or more goals
- South Africa went over 2.5 goals in three of the past four games
- Nicaragua allowed 14 goals in the past five road matches - 2.8 per game
- Nicaragua went over 2.5 goals in three of the past five games across competitions
Main prediction South Africa - Nicaragua
Over 2.5 goals
Best Odds:
Megapari
1.67
