Teboho Mokoena’s late free-kick was the decider as South Africa edged Ivory Coast in a Group B match at Al-Salam Stadium on Tuesday.
After failing to score in their first match against Zambia on Saturday, South Africa bounced back to pick up three points and boost their chances of reaching the semi-finals.
Mokena struck 11 minutes from time directly from a free-kick earned from a foul on Luther Singh.
Editors' Picks
Having dominated their first game without key players, South Africa coach David Notoane threw into the fold a number of players who were not available for the first game.