Bongokuhle Hlongwane scored a late winner as South Africa beat Ghana 1-0 in a crucial 2022 World Cup qualifier played at the FNB stadium on Monday.
The victory sees Bafana go top of group G after two matches with four points after they also played to a goalless draw away to Zimbabwe on Friday.
New Bafana Hugo Broos coach should be happy with the display his charges put up against the Black Stars after a flat effort in Harare last week.
The home team had the better of their more experienced opponents for most of the contest with Ghana fading badly after a good start.
Bafana became stronger as the first half went on and should have taken the lead in the 37th minute when Percy Tau sent a header into the back of the net but it was ruled offside.
On closer inspection, the goal should have stood as Tau was clearly onside when Nyiko Mobbie sent in his cross from the left-hand side.
The hosts then missed an even glaring opportunity in the first minute of the second half when striker Evidence Makgopa missed from three yards out and an open net after Ghana goalkeeper Richard Ofori fumbled a cross.
South Africa were certainly the better team with the West African visitors forced to defend deep and play on the counter-attack.
The goal eventually arrived seven minutes from time when, after neat inter-play, Teboho Mokoena sent in a low cross from the right and Hlongwane turned the ball home that set off wild celebrations from the Bafana bench.
South Africa then saw out the game to record the victory to send them top of the qualification table ahead of Ghana who have three points after two matches.