South Africa 0 Cape Verde 0

Johannesburg, South Africa – Hosts South Africa played out a disappointing goalless draw with newcomers Cape Verde in the opening game of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.

Bafana Bafana struggled to overcome their tag as a side who struggle to score goals, failing to create clear-cut chances in the Johannesburg rain.

Cape Verde had the best opportunity of the game, with striker Platini dragging his close-range shot badly wide.

The result, however, gives the Blue Sharks their first Nations Cup point.

Teams:

South Africa: 16-Itumeleng Khune; 5-Anele Ngcongca, 14-Bongani Khumalo, 21-Siyabonga Sangweni, 11-Thabo Matlaba; 13-Kagisho Dikgacoi (6-Lerato Chabangu 46), 12-Reneilwe Letsholonyane, 18-Thuso Phala, 8-Siphiwe Tshabalala (10-Thulani Serero 60); 7-Lehlohonolo Majoro (9-Katlego Mphela 68), 17-Bernard Parker.

Cape Verde Islands: 1-Vozinha; 23-Carlitos, 3-Fernando Varela, 6-Nando, 18-Nivaldo; 5-Babanco, 15-Marco Soares, 7-Platini (11-Julio Tavares 63), 8-Toni Varela; 10-Heldon (22-David Silva 76), 20-Ryan Mendes (17-Roni 85).