Bernard Parker took South Africa closer to the semi-finals of the Confederations Cup by scoring both goals in a 2-0 win over New Zealand.
The hosts were under pressure after a poor 0-0 draw against Iraq, but dominated the match in Rustenburg.
Both of Parker's goals were provided by Tsepo Masilela assists, but Everton's fit-again Steven Pienaar was also key.
He started the move that led to the opener and was a creative force throughout the match.
By scoring twice, Parker redeemed himself after being cast as a villain when inadvertently blocking Kagisho Dikgacoi's goal-bound header against Iraq on Sunday.
While the permutations are plenty, South Africa, with four points, will guarantee qualification if they get a draw on Saturday with Spain. If they lose and the Iraqis beat New Zealand it will then come down to goal difference.
After their nervy curtain-raiser this was a far livelier South Africa. They had the ball in the back of the net in the 11th minute only for Thembinkosi Fanteni to be ruled offside.
Ten minutes later they were celebrating the real thing with Pienaar fighting off New Zealanders from all angles before finding Parker, who flicked the ball on to Masilela, waiting on the edge of the box.
Masilela rounded another defender before crossing to Parker and he drove a left-footed shot into the top right hand corner.
For goal number two, Masilela beat New Zealand defender Dave Mulligan and crossed from the left for Parker to shoot high past goalkeeper Glen Moss into the top far corner.
The rampant hosts thought they had a third in the 70th minute but Katlego Mashego, who had replaced Fanteni, was flagged for offside.
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