Bafana Bafana's COSAFA Cup journey has come to an end after losing 2-1 to Zambia in the semi-finals at King Goodwill Zwelithini Stadium.
Coach Morena Ramoreboli named no fewer than three changes from the win over Eswatini, with goalkeeper Olwethu Mzimela, Shaune Mogaila and Tshegofatso Mabasa getting starts.
Both teams didn't carve too many openings in the earlier stages of the match as matters remained keenly poised in the quest to reach the final of the tournament.
The host applied a lot of pace up top through the movement of Iqraam Rayners and captain Lyle Lakay from the left of defence though this didn't unlock a stubborn Zambia.
However, Chipolopolo didn't resist pressure but were able to pin the home team back before a timeous clearance from Keagan Allan prevented a clear-cut opportunity after the half-hour mark.
Bafana did draw first blood on the stroke of halftime as Mabasa continued his rich vein of form when he finished off a smartly worked delivery.
Chipolopolo opted to put on a substitution at the start of the second half as Andrew Phiri came on or Wisdom Moyela Libamba, while Bafana decided to make no alterations.
The re-structured effort from Chipolopolo paid dividends five minutes gone after Phiri set-up a timeous supply for Golden Mashata to grab hold and beat Mzimela.
With their tails up, the holders went on to grab the lead midway in the second half when a cracking striker from a free-kick by Albert Kangwanda gave Mzimela no chance.
Ramoreboli made two changes late on where Tebogo Tlolane replaced striker Mabasa before Mogamat May came on for Thabo Cele.
However, the additions didn't make the difference that the coach would've wanted, as Chipolopolo claimed the win to set up a final with Lesotho on Sunday.
Confirmed line-ups:
South Africa: Mzimela, Sikhakhane, Allan, Mohamme, Lakay, Mthethwa, Cele, Mogaila, Rayners, Mabasa, KapingaSubs: Barr, Dithejane, Makume, Mogaila, Human, Tlolane, Kobedi, Sebetlela, May, Mini, Letsoalo, Palace, Gumede
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