The South African Under-23 side played to a 1-1 draw against Congo in the Caf Olympic first leg qualifier at Dobsonville Stadium.
David Notoane’s side put the visitors under pressure in the opening stages of the match and Thapelo Maseko came close from scoring in the 15th minute only for his shot to go wide.
Midway through the first half, Devin Tutus shot was well saved by the Congolese goalkeeper to keep the sides level.
But two minutes before the interval, Love Bissila Mabiala, shocked the home fans when he made it 1-0 with a great header.
In the 69th minute South Africa scored when the best player on the field, Maseko when he finished off Mduduzi Shabalala’s cross.
The return leg between two sides will be played on Monday, 27 March 2023 at Massamba-Debat Stadium.