Parker finds redemption to keep hosts in the hunt

0 Comments | AFP, June, 2009

RUSTENBURG, South Africa (AFP) — South Africa, playing for their Confederations Cup lives at the Royal Bafokeng stadium built on revenue from the local platinum mines, dug themselves out of deep trouble here Wednesday with a resounding 2-0 win over New Zealand.

After their limp opening draw, Joel Santana's 'Bafana Bafana' finally tapped into a rich seam of form with goals either side of half-time from Bernard Parker.

This was sweet redemption for the Serbia-based striker for it was he who had inadvertently blocked Kagisho Dikgacoi's goal-bound header against Iraq on Sunday.

The man of the match said: "I'd like to thank my coach who showed a lot of faith in me by starting me for this game. I liked the way we played, full of confidence."

Santana added: "We had...