Cape Verde spoil hosts’ party with a 0-0 draw

Tiny Cape Verde proved Africa Cup spoilers as they held hosts South Africa to a goalless draw in the tournament’s opening game at Soccer City in Johannesburg yesterday.

The smallest country in the tournament were more than a match for a nervous home outfit who looked overwhelmed by the occasion.

Cape Verde had the best chance of the match when a defence-splitting pass from Babanco set up Platini, only for the Portugal-based forward to screw the ball wide from in front of the goal.

The game improved after half-time as play became more stretched, but neither goalkeeper was seriously tested until South Africa’s Itumeleng Khune was forced to scramble a diving Heldon header away for a corner after 70 minutes.

South Africa dominated possession but their decision-making on a rainy day was poor and they struggled to create chances to the disappointment of a crowd short of the sell-out promised by organisers.

Bafana Bafana coach Gordon Igesund had labelled his squad potential tournament winners last month but they offered little evidence to back up that boast in a below-average performance.

Other result
Angola vs Morocco 0-0