Parker finds redemption to keep hosts in the hunt

RUSTENBURG, South Africa: 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 on 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.