Asian champions Iraq put a damper on South Africa’s opening party at the Confederations Cup on Sunday, holding the hosts to a 0-0 draw in a preliminary dress rehearsal for next year’s first World Cup finals in Africa.
South Africa, whose fans produced an ear-splitting crescendo of noise for much of the game, failed to match their aspirations, carving out and missing a series of chances, notably in the second half. Iraq, who will not have the chance to show their skills at next year’s World Cup as they are already eliminated, did not make the most of the opportunity the Confederations Cup afforded, defending resolutely but offering barely a scrap of adventure.
The Bafana Bafana squandered three gilt-edged chances in the space of five minutes late in the game, the worst in the 84th minute when midfielder Kagisho Dikgacoi headed across goal after Iraqi keeper Mohamed Kassid had missed a cross.
The ball seemed destined for the net but it hit striker Bernard Parker on the heel as he attempted to knock it over the line from point-blank range and bounced away as the crowd of 48Â 837 at Ellis Park prematurely celebrated the winner.
Substitute Katlego Mashego and Parker had both missed great chances only minutes earlier and striker Thembinkosi Fanteni had headed narrowly over the bar in the 72nd minute.
South Africa and Iraq’s Group A rivals at the eight-nation tournament of continental champions, Spain and New Zealand, were meeting in the second game in Rustenberg later on Sunday.
The South African team showed some neat touches in midfield in which MacBeth Sibaya was outstanding but they over-elaborated while strikers Parker and Fanteni failed to hold the ball up with any regularity.
But though they dominated play against a lacklustre Iraqi team, the performance did little to ease fears that as hosts to the World Cup next year, they could struggle to make an impact.
The match was watched by South African President Jacob Zuma, who welcomed the world to Africa at the end of a colourful pre-match opening ceremony.
”This is the day we have waited for. This is a great day for Africa and South Africa. The time has come and I welcome all of you here. But this not a day for speeches let us get on and enjoy the game,” said Zuma.
Fifa president Sepp Blatter also received a thunderous cheer when he said: ”Fifa is committed to Africa.”
The opening ceremony was short, sweet and slick and featured Lebo M, Yvonne Chaka Chaka and hundreds of school children who ended their routine by painting their T-shirts and forming a massive South African flag. – Sapa, Reuters