English-based duo Davide Somma and Steven Pienaar made the difference for Bafana in Rustenburg, with the latter scoring his first international goal in six years.

"I'm happy about the score, but it could have been better," South Africa manager Pitso Mosimane said after the match.

"We need a bit of assuredness in front of goal. The goals are there, but we don't convert. I think, if we had kept composure, we could have scored more goals. But, I'm happy with the younger ones that came in."

Egypt were supposed to meet USA in a final rehearsal to the South Africa clash, but the Americans canceled the match amid the current unrest.

Bafana host the African champions on March 26th.