South Africa draws 1-1 with Bulgaria in WCup warmup in Soweto

SAfrica draws 1-1 with Bulgaria in warmup

JOHANNESBURG — South Africa drew 1-1 with Bulgaria in a friendly Monday in the team’s buildup for the World Cup it will host beginning June 11.

South Africa played with confidence against a team ranked 56 places above it, and defender Siyabonga Sangweni powered home a header to give Bafana Bafana a 20th-minute lead.

Bulgaria, which did not qualify for the World Cup, equalized in the 31st with its first shot on goal. Parma striker Valeri Bojinov was left unmarked in the penalty area and volleyed the ball under goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune.

Coach Carlos Alberto Parreira made several changes for the second half as South Africa pushed for a winner, but couldn’t break through again.