Homeless footballers from 48 countries around the world are centre stage in South Africa this week as they battle it out for the fourth annual Homeless World Cup in Cape Town.

Some 500 participants from nations including Afghanistan, Australia and the United States are taking part. In this match Paraguay take on Spain.

Soccer is the chief attraction and there is noisy support - but the main purpose of the event is to highlight the plight of the homeless.

None of the players have their own homes, and many have been or are drug addicts, alcoholics or orphans. Many find their lives are changed simply by taking part.

A great camaraderie develops between the players as they discuss their lives with each other, say organisers.

"We really can help change the world... All we have to do is take a little round ball and start kicking it around," says organiser Mel Young.

Participants from nine African countries are taking part including Uganda, Kenya, Nigeria, Zimbabwe and Cameroon.

Hosts South Africa won the opening match against Chile to huge cheers, but subsequently lost to Brazil 6-4.

The five-a-side games on an outdoor rubber surface last 14 minutes. The week-long tournament takes place at the Grand Parade in Cape Town with the final taking place on Saturday.