Nicaragua head coach Juan Cruz Real believes Bafana Bafana possess the quality to make a strong impression at the FIFA World Cup.

Nicaragua and Bafana were forced to settle for a stalemate after playing to a goalless draw at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Friday evening.

South Africa had a chance to put the game to bed in the first-half injury time but striker Lyle Foster’s penalty hit the woodwork.

The Nicaragua head coach praised the quality within the Bafana Bafana squad, describing South Africa as a technically gifted side capable of competing strongly on football’s biggest stage.

“South Africa is a great team, have very good players,” Cruz Real said after the match.

“I know most of them play in the local league, the South African Premier League [Soccer] League has good competition. Also don’t forget you have a player playing in the Premier League.

“So the value [quality] of the South African squad with us, it’s a huge difference. But I see South Africa as a very good team, very good technical – some players have huge technical ability, are talented.

“I think you got chances to compete very well in the World Cup.”