South Africa began their countdown to the World Cup in France next month with a 1-1 draw against Zambia yesterday. New cap Mathews Kamwashi scored an opportunist ninth-minute goal for the visitors and Shaun Bartlett equalised after 57 minutes before a 30,000 crowd on a cold night at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg.

South Africa, who face hosts France, Denmark and Saudi Arabia in Group C, began with news caps in Dutch-based goalkeeper Hans Vonk and midfielder Alfred Phiri from Turkish club Vanspor. Vonk was at fault for the Zambian goal as he moved to cut off a low cross from Masauso Tembo, then retreated and Kamwashi stabbed the ball over the line despite the presence of three defenders. Phiri seemed overawed by the occasion and was replaced at half-time.

The South African equaliser was an untidy affair as Zambia failed to clear a cross and a John `Shoes' Moshoeu shot struck Bartlett en route to the net.

South Africa, who wore their World Cup strip for the first time, fly to Buenos Aires today for a warm-up match against Argentina on May 25th.

South Africa: (Khumalo 88), Augustine (Mnguni 69), Moshoeu, Phiri (Buckley 46), Masinga (McCarthy 55), Bartlett (Sikhosana 73).

Zambia: Mbulo, Sichone, Tana, Kamwanga, Mwewa, Makasa, Mumamba (Sakulanda 40), Chisango (Mutapa 68), Kamwashi (Katala 46), Lota, Tembo

Referee: J Ndlangamandla (Swaziland).