Hugo Broos and his charges had a date with destiny, knowing only a positive result will suffice in front of their home fans.
Bafana made the perfect start after just five minutes when Thalente Mbatha fired a long-range shot into the top-corner that goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari made a meal of.
The home team were now dominant and looked in the mood for more goals, and the second arrived midway through the first half when Oswin Appollis back of the net to jubilant scenes.
Broos' team should have been out of sight by halftime, dominating possession but could nail the final pass when it mattered most.
More nerves were eased with 20 minutes remaining though, when Appollis swung in a corner that headed in from close-range by Evidence Makgopa.
Then it was just a matter of time before the official celebrations could commence, as news filtered through that Nigeria had comfortably seen off Benin in Uyo.
The full-time whistle brought out wild celebration from the players and coaching staff as Bafana ended the qualifying campaign one point ahead of Nigeria.
That was despite three points being deducted after fielding an eligible players in the win against Lesotho.
But those are now minor details as the Broos and his team can look forward to the global showpiece that will be co-hosted by USA, Mexico and Canada next year.
Golden Arrows coach Manqoba Mngqithi has voiced concern over Mamelodi Sundowns' recruitment strategy, warning that the club's reliance on foreign signings is weakening Bafana Bafana.
South Africa head coach Hugo Broos has revealed his 25-man squad that is set to do battle at the 2025 African Cup of Nations in Morocco later this month.
Orlando Pirates are asserting their growing influence on the Bafana Bafana squad, with 12 of their players named in the 54-man provisional team for the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Itumeleng Khune has voiced his surprise over the exclusion of Thembinkosi Lorch from Bafana Bafana's latest AFCON squad, signalling growing concern about coach Hugo Broos' selections.
