Bafana Bafana defeated Mozambique 2-1 in an international friendly at the Mbombela Stadium on Thursday evening.
Orlando Pirates duo Monnapule Saleng and Miguel Timm were handed starts, while Major League Soccer-based Bongokuhle Hlongwane was back in Hugo Broos' attack after missing the last international break.
There wasn't shortage of early drama after a loose pass from Bafana goalkeeper Ronwen Williams saw Ernesto intercept and rattle the upright with a close-range shot in the danger area.
Bafana and their overreliance to play back-wards proved costly on 14 minutes as Nelson Daniel Divrassone pounced on a misplaced pass by Rushine de Reuck and rounded Williams to slot into an empty net.
The host looked to find a quick response after the half-hour mark and a scorching free-kick from the left of the area by Saleng brought a smart stop from goalkeeper Ivane Carminio Urrubal.
Bafana remained in confident mood and managed to level matters 10 minutes in when Hlongwane sneaked in at the near post and tucked away a well-weighted cross on the right by Mobbie.
Hlongwane made it two in the space of minutes when he cut inside from the left of the area and beat Urrubal from close-range with a low rasping finish in the six-yard area.
Bafana made a double change after a pretty even spell, with Luke Le Roux introduced for Themba Zwane before Egyptian-based Fagrie Lakay slotted in for Saleng.
The home team could've had a third goal in the final five minutes from a first-time shot in the area by Teboho Mokoena following a cutback, but Urrubal parried the effort away.
Bafana, though, were able to run down the closing exchanges of the match and in the end picked up the win – with their next assignment on Sunday against Angola.
Here's how they line up:
Bafana Bafana: Williams, Mobbie, Kekana, De Reuck, Modiba, Timm, Mokoena, Zwane, Hlongwane, Saleng, Lepasa
Subs: Buthelezi, Xulu, Morena, Lakay, Sekgota, Mayo, Bathusi, Fielies, Msani, Blom, Le Roux
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