South Africa held Uruguay 0-0 on Wednesday in an international friendly to regain some pride after a weekend mauling by Zambia.
But the 2010 soccer World Cup hosts needed help from Zimbabwe referee Tendai Bwanya to contain the visitors, who finished fourth at the Copa America in Venezuela two months ago.
The match official ignored a blatant penalty midway through the first half at sparsely populated Ellis Park in Johannesburg when captain Aaron Mokoena fouled Luis Suarez.
South Africa, humiliated 3-1 at home by Zambia in an African Nations Cup qualifier last Sunday, also needed several superb saves from half-time substitute Calvin Marlin as Uruguay sought the breakthrough they deserved.
Bafana Bafana finally came good in the closing stages after midfielder Benedict Vilakazi was introduced, although goalkeeper Juan Castillo rarely came under pressure.
Recently capped midfielder Teko Modise also impressed for South Africa, the only country guaranteed a place in the 32-nation field for the first Soccer World Cup to be staged by Africa.
Blackburn Rovers striker Benni McCarthy, well contained as he attempted to score a record 30th goal for the national team, sang the praises of Modise from Johannesburg-based Orlando Pirates.
”Teko is phenomenal, a fantastic player going forward,” boasted McCarthy, who returned to the Bafana team against Zambia after a 19-month exile triggered by a row over 2006 African Nations Cup bonuses.
Official man-of-the-match Modise blamed tiredness for a largely timid and cautious showing by South Africa, whose lack of forward fire was once again exposed against the tough South Americans.
Youthful Suarez, from former European giants Ajax Amsterdam, stood out for Uruguay, mesmerising defenders with his dribbling and setting up several opportunities.
In a match of few clear-cut chances, South Africa came closest five minutes into the second half when Castillo dashed forward to block a Steven Pienaar shot after a defence-splitting pass from Surprise Moriri.
And four minutes later Uruguay cursed their luck as a Cristian Rodriquez header from one of nine corners they forced struck a post with Marlin beaten for once. — AFP
