Bafana Bafana fans are keen on the team's good showing
A largely domestic-based South Africa XI intensified their Confederations Cup preparations with a 2-0 friendly win over Mauritius in Johannesburg.
The game was not an international but a glorified training match as coach Joel Santana tested his local players before naming his squad for the tournament next week.
Starting with only one Europe-based player, captain Aaron Mokoena, Bafana Bafana opened the scoring on six minutes through impressive Orlando Pirates' midfielder Benson Mhlongo.
The 2010 World Cup hosts should have added to that tally in the first half as Katlego Mashego and Mhlongo wasted good chances.
Shortly before the break, fans favourite Teko Modise was unlucky to see a fine 20-yard free-kick crash against the bar.
Seven minutes into the second half Mauritius registered their only shot on goal in the entire game as Jean Ah Fock fired straight at goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune.
After a succession of long-range efforts flew over the bar, midfielder Lance Davids capped the scoring with a thumping low 20-yard drive after 68 minutes.
Before the Confederations Cup begins on 14 June, South Africa will play their final warm-up match against Poland on 6 June in Johannesburg.
Elsewhere, Malawi defeated Rwanda 2-0 on Sunday in an international friendly between countries preparing for 2010 World Cup qualifiers next weekend.
The 'Flames' of Malawi host Burkina Faso and the 'Wasps' of Rwanda are away to Zambia on 6 June needing points after disappointing starts to six-game campaigns last March.
Malawi were crushed 5-0 in the Ivory Coast in a fixture that claimed 19 lives owing to stadium overcrowding while Rwanda were held 0-0 at home by Algeria in another group.
Mozambique-based striker Chiukepo Msowoya was the Malawian hero against Rwanda, connecting with crosses to score on 64 and 83 minutes at the national Kamuzu Stadium.
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