South Africa earned a much-needed 3-1 win over Malawi in the first of its three African Cup of Nations buildup games on Saturday.
Lehlohonolo Majoro and Siphiwe Tshabalala put Bafana Bafana 2-0 up after 10 minutes at Moses Mabhida Stadium.
Joseph Kamwendo pulled a goal back for Malawi in the 48th minute from the penalty spot but May Mahlangu's 75th-minute goal, also from a penalty, ensured South Africa made a winning start to its final run-in to next month's African Cup.
Majoro scored in the sixth minute after Malawi goalkeeper Simplex Nthala spilled an early shot. Tshabalala struck four minutes later from close range.
Kamwendo pulled one back for Malawi after Robert Ng'ambi was fouled.
But Mahlangu's penalty restored South Africa's two-goal advantage with 15 minutes to go.
