Gordon Igesund's South Africa, a squad ravaged by withdrawals, held FIFA World Cup-bound Australia to a 1-1 draw in Sydney on Monday.
Ayanda Patosi gave the visitors the lead before a Tim Cahill header drew the Socceroos level in what was a largely dull affair.
"We both had chances and I think the score was a fair reflection of the game," he said.
"We conceded a goal we shouldn't have. But the game was played in the right spirit. I think we deserved to get something out of the game and we did."
Emblen said his side's finish to the game, during which Chris Wood netted a brace, gave them confidence.
"We have players that can get forward on the counter-attack and also players that know their jobs and responsibilities defensively," he said.
The average age of New Zealand's squad for the friendly is just 23.33 years.
Stuttgart attacker Marco Rojas and PEC Zwolle's Ryan Thomas are among the squad and have the talent to cause problems.
