Trott loses his cool in SA draw
2002-04-18 07:19
Murcia - South Africa and Ecuador played to a drab scoreless draw on Wednesday in a friendly warm-up match for both sides for the World Cup.
Ecuador, without injured FC Porto striker Jaime Ivan Kaviedes and regular goalie Jose Cevallos, were an obvious favourite with the spectators given that the Murcia region is home to some 40 000 immigrant workers from the South American country.
The side, South America's fifth qualifier, beat Bulgaria 3-0 in its last World Cup friendly in March. But no goals came on Wednesday before some 6 000 spectators at La Condomina stadium.
Ecuador dominated in the first half but faded in the second half.
The side came closest to scoring with two close calls by Edwin Tenorio, player of the match for the team. South Africa, playing many non-first team players, were saved from defeat by Santos goalkeeper Andre Arendse.
Alfonso Obregon and Juan Carlos Burbano took control of midfield and Alex Aguinaga and Edison Mendez threatened with a handful of attacks for Ecuador. However, Aguinaga's substitution at the break took the sting out of the South Americans.
A physically-stronger South Africa commanded in the second half but created few chances. By the final quarter, both sides seemed content to settle for a draw.
South Africa were without newly appointed coach Jomo Sono, who thought it wiser to watch England thrash Paraguay 4-0 in another World Cup warmup. His assistant coach Trott Moloto was banished from the touchline after a verbal exchange with the referee.
South Africa will face Paraguay in Group B in the opening phase of the World Cup as well as Spain and Slovenia.
Ecuador is in Group G with Croatia, Italy and Mexico.
Lineups:
South Africa: Andre Arrendse; Tony Coyle, Thabang Molese, Edries
Burton, Sipho Nunens (Stanton Fredericks, 46), Ntuthuko Sibaya,
David Kanemeyer, Brett Evans, McDonald Mukansi, Abram Raselenane
and Glen Salmon (Josta Dladla, 58).
Ecuador: Giovanni Ibarra; Augusto Porozo, Ivan Hurtado, Ulises
De la Cruz, Alfonso Obregon, Raul Guerron, Juan Carlos Burbano,
Alex Aguinaga (Agustin Delgado, 46), Clever Chala, Edwin Tenorio
and Edison Mendez. - Sapa-AP
- SAPA