An injury to star player Thembi Kgatlana in addition to Covid-19 disruptions rocked the South African camp ahead of the clash as these two nations chased the coveted World Cup ticket.
It didn't affect the South Africans who went ahead inside the first 15 minutes through a well-taken one-on-one finish from Jermaine Seoposenwe following a square pass which the Tunis couldn't erase.
Tunisia managed to maintain calm after the difficult period and could've gone level after Leila Maknoun ran in behind and applied a first-time shot, but goalkeeper Andile Dlamini parried.
Banyana regained some sort of momentum during the closing minutes of the half and threatened a second when Noxolo Cesane snapped a loose ball from a tight angle over target.
A substitution from the side of Desiree Ellis following the resumption arrived, as Sibulele Holweni made way for Karabo Dhlamini while Tunisia were unchanged.
The South African national team were out firing in the second half and squandered a big inviting chance to double their lead after a certain Cesane dragged Seoposenwe's cutback over target.
Banyana enjoyed a few more bright moments shortly thereafter, but yet again failed to pounce with deliveries to and around the area too further forward and off target.
The goal-shy stimulus from Banyana continued with over ten minutes to go as substitute Melinda Kgadiete and then Cesane slammed two clear openings well off target.
It mattered little as the Ellis' troops ran out winners to secure a date in the semi-finals and a spot in the World Cup finals next year.