Despite playing without several of their overseas-based players, South Africa gained a well-won point by holding Ivory Coast in Abidjan.

The star of the game was Bafana-Bafana debutant Japhet Zwane, a last minute replacement for Jabu Pule.

The left-winger caused the Ivorians a number of headaches down the left, and may even have won the game had he buried the chances he created for himself.

The Ivorians piled on the pressure through the second half, as they consistently attacked the South Africans.

But the Bafana-Bafana defence, well-marshalled by Jacob Lekgetho and Aaron Mokoena, held firm to secure a vital away draw in a three-team group.

South African coach Shakes Mashaba expressed his satisfaction with the result, saying the Ivorians proved tough opponents in front of a full-house in Abidjan.

"I'm happy with the result, although we could have won had we taken our chances," Mashaba said.

"My only concern is our defence, where we gave them a little too much room but it's something we will work on," he added.