Bafana Bafana hold a massive opportunity to win Group C after Sudan shocked Ghana in Omdurman on Tuesday afternoon.
After captain Andre Ayew eased the Black Stars to victory last week with a stunning brace in their 2-0 win at the Cape Coast Sport Stadium, his absence in the return leg was clearly felt.
Andre's brother, Jordan, stepped up to lead the side as they struggled to break down a resilient Sudan side, who then stole a famous victory in stoppage time through MC Algiers striker Mohamed Abdelrahman.
The defeat leaves Charles Akonner's side on nine points, level with Bafana after four games played, but their head-to-head record after their 2-0 win in the first round of the group fixtures keeps them at the summit.
Remaining fixtures in Group C:
22 March
South Africa vs Ghana
Sao Tome and Principe vs Sudan
30 March
Sao Tome and Principe vs Ghana
Sudan vs South Africa
See all the AFCON qualifying standings here