Lyle Foster's solitary strike was enough to guide Bafana Bafana to a 1-0 win over the Democratic Republic of Congo on Tuesday evening.
In-form Zakhele Lepasa earned a start up top alongside Mihlali Mayambela and Percy Tau, who captained the team with Lyle Foster afforded another outing too.
Following a frustrating goalless outing against Namibia on Saturday, the home team looked to hit the ground running and came close as Tau slammed wide from a decent opening.
Stand a chance to win 1 of 4 pairs of Oakley sunglasses!
A sign of early caution for the host followed when the Leopards fashioned a chance when Yaone Wissa picked up a loose ball around the half-way line and flashed over target.
Bafana did though draw first blood just before half-hour mark after Foster picked up a loose ball in the box and rifled in from close-range.
The Leopards battled thereafter to get settled in the contest and battled immensely to even matters once again as Bafana showed loads of confidence in their play.
It was a tough opening to the second period, with the Leopards all out on the attack to get a way back before Tau at the other end curled over from a free-kick.
Bafana refreshed the offensive department midway through the second half where Lepasa made way for French-based forward Lebogang Mothiba.
The host didn't assert too much pressure a little later and saw the counterparts overloaded the middle as well as wide area which forced Hugo Broos' men occupy a low-block.
Congo continued to pose problems before full-time as the trickery and pace of Edo Kayembe brought all sorts of nervousness, but the host held and claimed the win.
Confirmed line-ups:
South Africa: Goss, Mobbie, Xulu, Mvala, Maela, Aubaas, Mbunjana, Foster, Tau, Mayambela, Lepasa
Subs: Mothwa, Sibisi, Kekana, Modiba, Monyane, Mmodi, Margeman, Saleng, Kodisang, Sithole, Mothiba
You must be SIGNED IN to read and post comments.