Lyle Foster's first-half penalty miss proved costly for Bafana Bafana, who open FIFA's flagship tournament against co-host Mexico on 12 June (AEST) at Estadio Azteca.

Themba Zwane should have given South Africa a 17th-minute lead when he was found unmarked by Kamogelo Sebelebele's cross into the box, but when the ball arrived at his feet, he miscued his attempt as Nicaragua cleared its lines.

South Africa continued to be frustrated by its opponent, but was handed the opportunity to take the lead before the break when the lively Sebelebele was tripped inside the penalty area by Justing Cano.

Zwane handed the responsibility of the spot-kick over to Foster, but the Burnley striker saw his effort from 12 yards cannon against the right post on the stroke of half-time.

Hugo Broos' side upped the pressure after the break but was restricted to shots from distance, with Oswin Appollis and Thalente Mbatha forcing smart stops from Adonis Pineda.

Relebohile Mofokeng's free-kick was then flicked inadvertently towards his own goal by Joab Gutierrez, but Pineda produced a brilliant reflex stop to clear the danger before Jayden Adams stabbed wide as the spoils were shared at Orlando Amstel Arena.