COSAFA Cup hosts, South Africa were held to a 1-1 draw in their opening match of the competition currently underway in Gqeberha’s Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.
The hosts, who opened the scoring courtesy of a Rushin Dortley looked on course for a confidence boosting victory as hosts, but Chamito Alfandega’s 65th minute strike saw the two sides share the spoils in the biting cold of the coastal city.
As expected, the hosts got off to a great start with the backing of the home supporters, launching attack after attack but lack of clinical finishing let them down when it mattered the most.
Earlier in the day, Eswatini were in action against Botswana in the opening match of the tournament at the same venue.
Despite creating a number of clear-cut chances, both sides couldn’t capitalise on their opportunities, with the tie ending in a goalless stalemate.Eswatini playmaker, Ayanda Gadlele was unlucky not to break the deadlock in the 35th minute after his well taken effort came off the woodwork.
With both Group A matches ending in stalemates, the group remains wide open with all four sides sitting on a point, while Mozambique and South Africa lead on goal difference.
Group B of the competition gets underway on Thursday with Comoros taking on Zimbabwe in the afternoon, before defending champions Zambia begin their title defence with a tie against Kenya.
This year marks the 23rd edition of the regional competition contested by African nations from the southern part of the continent.