JOHANNESBURG — Two sterling saves from Mohammed Kassid gave Iraq a 0-0 draw against South Africa in the Confederations Cup opener today, dealing a blow to a host nation hoping to establish itself as a challenger in the tournament.

Combined with Kassid's great saves, South Africa was incredibly unlucky with six minutes to play when a header from Kagisho Dikgacoi hit the leg of forward Bernard Parker on the goal line. Kassid was already beaten.

The draw for Iraq rewarded the conservative tactics of coach Bora Milutinovic and gave his team an unexpected point and hope it could still reach the semifinals from Group A, which also includes Spain and New Zealand.