Durban's 70,000 seater stadium, built to host games during next year's World Cup finals, was given a low-key opening on Sunday.

Seven matches of the tournament, including one of the semi-finals, will be held at the Moses Mabhiba stadium but capacity was limited to 22,000 for its first competitive use.

Only 15,000 people with tickets turned out for the South African league game between AmaZulu and Maritzburg United. Officials blamed heavy rain for the 7,000 absconders.

The ground is one of six stadiums built for the tournament, with four existing stadiums being renovated.