Amajita qualified for the FIFA U20 World Cup after defeating Democratic Republic Congo 1-0 in the quarter-finals of the CAF U20 Cup of Nations on Monday night.
South Africa made three changes from the draw on Friday against Zambia, with Thato Sibiya, Marvin Abrahams and Shakeel April coming in for Mfundo Vilakazi, Langelihle Phili and Kutlwano Letlhaku.
It was a tough start for Amajita, who were pressed aggressively and needed the reflexes in goal of Smythe-Lowe to keep the young Congolese outfit at bay.
However, Amajita regained momentum around the half-hour mark and threatened from a corner-kick by Abrahams but he was courted out.
The DRC received a clear chance a little later after a loose clearance landed perfectly for Samuel Ntanda-Lukisa right of the box, but the forward fluffed his lines.
Amajita made a couple changes ahead of the second half, as Patrick Autata came on for Faiz Abrahams while Phili replaced Sibiya.
Raymond Mdaka’s boys were charged up following the introductions, with Phili in particular peeling away and showed renewed forward impetus.
Congo continued to have the lion share of momentum as Ntanda-Lukisa got a big chance through a sharp turn and shot in the area, but Smythe-Lowe made a stop.
Phili nearly broke the deadlock ten minutes from time following a square pass to the area, but he failed to hit first-time and saw his effort blocked away for a corner, sending the clash to extra-time.
Amajita went ahead late in the first half of extra-time when second-half substitute Thabang Mahlangu fired in at the far post from a cross by April.
The young Leopards could’ve gone level after the break courtesy of a one-on-one chance from Ibrahim Mubalu, but he fired across the face of goal as South African held on for the win and advanced to semi-finals while also qualifying for the U20 World Cup in September.