Bafana Bafana edged toward the next round of World Cup qualifying with a 1-0 win over Zimbabwe, which took them three points clear at the top of Group G.

South Africa came into the game knowing a victory would give them a massive chance of qualifying for the next round after Ghana were held by Ethiopia earlier in the day.

Coach Hugo Broos made three changes to his last side, with Keagan Dolly and Percy Tau returning to the frontline while Portugal-based midfielder Thibang Phete started in midfield.

Bafana started well as they looked to control the tempo but the first chance fell to the visitors with 15 minutes gone. However, Ishmael Wadi couldn’t capitalise after intercepting a cross-field pass as he side-footed his effort wide.

The returning Dolly then provided a spark on the half-hour mark as his pinpoint ball into the box picked out Teboho Mokoena at the back post, with the midfielder guiding his header into the bottom corner to give his side the lead heading into the break.

The home side looked to extend their lead in the opening stages of the second half and tested Petros Mhari in the Zimbabwe goal twice in a matter of moments. First, Keagan Dolly went close from a long-range strike before Mhari was again called into action to provide a save from the resultant corner.

As the half wore on, the visitors began to find openings. They lacked the cutting edge, though, to make the home side pay with several shots and passes going wayward leaving Ronwen Williams largely as a bystander.

Bafana were unable to find a second goal, which would’ve provided further comfort ahead of the clash with Ghana, but forced to settle for the 1-0 win and three points.