NELSPRUIT: Bongani Zungu scored in stoppage time to salvage a 1-1 draw for South Africa against arch-rivals Nigeria on Sunday in an international friendly match.
A superb Ahmed Musa goal on 85 minutes had put the Super Eagles ahead before a 20,000 crowd at Mbombela Stadium in north-eastern city Nelspruit.
South Africa squandered a great chance to take the lead midway through the second half when a casually-struck Andile Jali penalty was blocked by Daniel Akpeyi.
The Nigerian goalkeeper was making a rare appearance because of an injury to Vincent Enyeama, who won his 100th cap last Wednesday in a shock home friendly defeat by Uganda.
South Africa, who had beaten Nigeria just once in 11 previous competitive and friendly matches, looked the likelier winners for much of the game.
But the long-standing Bafana Bafana (The Boys) failing of poor finishing continued with several close-range free-kick opportunities wasted.
With a goalless draw looming, Russia-based winger Musa curled the ball from just outside the box over goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune into the far corner.
Midfielder Zungu stabbed the ball into the net from close range after Akpeyi parried a shot into his path.
Both countries are preparing for the mid-year kick-off of the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers with the draw scheduled for April 8 in Cairo.
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