Carlos Alberto Parreira's first game of his second spell in charge of South Africa's national team ended in a goalless draw with Japan at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth on Saturday afternoon.

In an encounter that saw few genuine scoring chances created, particularly from Bafana Bafana, the 2010 FIFA World Cup hosts can feel satisfied that they managed to contain one of Asia's best sides, though their lack of potency in attack continues to be a great area of concern.

Japan played a high-tempo pressing game that put the hosts under pressure and they duly dominated the opening exchanges.

Makoto Hasebe forced Moeneeb Josephs into tipping his long range shot over the crossbar in the 11th minute, and a short while later striker Shinji Okazaki got in behind Bafana’s defence after a quick passing move only to shoot just wide of goal.

Other than those two moments the Asians offered fairly little threat, this despite having the better of the midfield battle thanks to their energetic and tactically disciplined approach.

South Africa gradually began to assert themselves and on 30 minutes Siphiwe Tshabalala's had the hosts first genuine shot on goal, unleashing a long range drive that had goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima scrambling to parry the ball away.

Mamelodi Sundowns striker Katlego Mphela had Bafana's best chance in the 39th minute, catching Japan's defence unaware with a neat piece of skill to beat one player, but he blazed his effort over the crossbar when a pass to Benni McCarthy was probably the better option.

The Blue Samurai started the second half strongly but still seemed to lack real bite up front. However, the introduction of Shunsuke Nakamura just before the hour mark added a creative spark that seemed to step up their intensity in attack.

Japan's growing dominance was clearly a concern for Carlos Alberto Parreira, as he introduced three sets of fresh legs into the midfield in the 68th minute. Japan continued to look the better side, though, and on 75 minutes Nakamura’s corner kick almost saw captain Yuji Nakazawa head the visitors into a lead.

Four minutes later Bafana needed Josephs to make a great reaction save to tip over Okazaki’s effort after the striker had somehow been allowed space and time to turn and get away a shot in the penalty area.

Japan flooded forward in the closing minutes and put South Africa’s defence under immense pressure. Bafana, to their credit, and despite a few heart-in-mouth moments, held firm to keep a clean sheet.

The teams:

South Africa: (4-4-2) Josephs; Ngcongca, Mokoena, Gould, Masilela; Modise (Van Heerden 68), Sibaya, Dikgacoi (Letsholonyane 68), Tshabalala (Klate 68); McCarthy (Parker 75), Mphela.

Japan: (4-4-2) Kawashima; Uchido (Tokunaga 72), Tanaka, Nakazawa, Komano (Konno 80); Honda (Nakamura 59), Inamoto (Matsui 59), Hasebe, Endo; Okubo (Koroki 72’), Okazaki.


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