Bafana Bafana see off Malawi at Loftus to secure CHAN spot

With several changes from the first-leg lineup, interim coach Molefi Ntseki fielded a refreshed squad including Reyaad Pieterse in goal, Neo Maema wearing the captain's armband, and Victor Letsoalo leading the line. The tactical shake-up paid early dividends.

Letsoalo opened the scoring in the first quarter of the match, pouncing on defensive uncertainty to slot home and hand Bafana the initiative. The forward remained a constant threat and nearly doubled his tally just before the half-hour mark, meeting Siyanda Msani's cross with a sharp effort that was well saved.

Despite trailing, Malawi showed little attacking ambition. The Flames sat deep and looked to strike on the counter, but Bafana's defensive unit remained largely untroubled throughout.

South Africa continued to dominate proceedings in the second half, with Letsoalo again coming close - this time with a glancing header that was narrowly kept out at the near post. As the visitors pushed numbers forward in a desperate attempt to shift the aggregate balance, Bafana remained patient and composed in possession.

Ntseki introduced Kamohelo Mahlatsi and Simon Ramabu late on - a move that injected fresh energy into the midfield. The hosts were rewarded five minutes from time when Maema capitalised on a defensive lapse, firing in from close range to seal the result.

Goalkeeper Pieterse ensured a clean sheet with a confident save in stoppage time as Malawi pressed for a consolation goal.

The win caps off a controlled two-leg performance from Bafana, who now turn their attention to preparations for the CHAN tournament in August.