Bafana Bafana played to a goalless draw against Lesotho in a friendly encounter before jetting off to the Africa Cup of Nations.
Coach Hugo Broos gave a start to Veli Mothwa between the sticks in an otherwise strong starting line-up, although Nkosinathi Sibisi started in defence as Mothobi Mvala waits to hear the extent of his groin injury.
There were some familiar faces in the Lesotho set up, as Royal AM striker Motebang Sera led the attack while former Swallows defender Tshwarelo Bereng was also included.
Read: Broos Reveals Major Injury Concern For Bafana
The two teams were meeting for the first time since 2021 when South Africa ran out 4-0 winners in the group stages of the COSAFA Cup, with Mothwa the only player from the clash starting this friendly.
There was not much to write home about in the opening 45 minutes, with Makgopa going closest with a shot over the crossbar at the midway point while othwa was untested at the other end.
Broos opted for a several changes in the second half, with goalkeeper Ricardo Goss, Nyiko Mobbie, Katlego Mashego, Thabang Monare, Thapelo Morena and Zakehle Lepasa introduced for the final 45 minutes.
Despite the flurry of changes in the second half, the South Africans were unbale to find the breakthrough against Lesotho and had to settle for the stalemate.
The team will depart for Ivory Coast on Thursday, 11 January and will be based in Korhogo.
Broos' men will open their campaign against Mali on Tuesday, 16 January at the Stade Amadou Gon Coulibaly, with the clash scheduled to get underway at 22h00 (South African time).
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