Bafana Bafana could only manage a disappointing goalless draw against Iraq at Ellis Park on Sunday.

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 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.

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.

Midfielder Macbeth Sibaya, who came close with a long range shot in the first half, said that confidence in the team remained high.

“We believe in ourselves.” said Sibaya, who plays for Russian champions Rubin Kazan and will be playing in the UEFA Champions League next season, said the players would lift each other ahead of the next game.

“We have to be united and pick each other up. The atmosphere in the dressing room was not bad, even though we failed to score a goal against the Iraqis,” he said. “We remain confident because we did not give them a chance. I am disappointed with the goalless draw, even a 1-1 would have been better.”

South Africa’s next match is against New Zealand on Wednesday in Rustenburg’s Royal Bafokeng stadium. The All Whites lost their opening game against Spain 5-0 in Sunday’s late game.

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