South Africa secured a 2-0 win over Malawi in the 2024 African Nations Championships (Chan) final round qualifier second-leg match on Sunday afternoon.
As a result, Bafana Bafana booked their place in the Chan finals after winning the tie 2-1 on aggregate.
The continental tournament for home-based players will be co-hosted by Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda between 2 and 30 August.
Bafana Bafana came up with a direct approach, with Victor Letsoalo being the vocal point of the attack and the TS Galaxy marksman was creating problems for the Flames' defence with his incisive runs from the start of the match.
The deadlock was broken in the 12th minute when Letsoalo pounced inside the box and hit the back of the net to hand South Africa the lead.
The hosts were leading 1-0 at halftime and the aggregate score was 1-1.
Coach Molefi Ntseki decided to refresh his team after the restart by pulling out Kamogelo Sebelebele and introducing Kamohelo Mahlatsi, who became a constant threat to the Malawi defence with his dangerous movement.
Mahlatsi was involved in the build-up when captain Neo Maema netted in the 87th minute after being set up by Letsoalo and South Africa held on to claim a 2-0 victory over Malawi on the day.
South Africa (1) 2 (Letsoalo 12', Maema 87')
Malawi 0
South Africa: R. Pieterse, K. Mngonyama, A. McCarthy, S. Msani, Y. Mfolozi, K. Johannes, S. Seabi, N. Mphangule, N. Maema, K. Sebelebele, V. Letsoalo.
Malawi: G. Chikooka, M. Lameck, M. Paipi, L. Aaron, N. Mwase, Y. Singo, Katinji, B. Lungu, A. Mpinganjira, P. Kamwendo, W. Lungu
