By Mark Glesson In Port Elizabeth

South Africa are through to the semi-finals of the Cosafa Cup, after a 4-1 victory over Madagascar.

Bafana Bafana won their quarter-final tie on penalties, after a goalless draw in regulation time.

It is the second time that South Africa have needed a shootout to progress in this year's event.

Bafana-Bafana dominated the encounter but had few clear cut chances against their opponents, ranked a lowly 119th in the world.

Coach Jomo Sono blamed a lack of match fitness for the performance, as many of the players are still struggling to find form as they begin their pre-season training.

Only five of the players were from the World Cup squad and it was Jabu Pule and Tebeho Mokoena who were the most effective in midfield.

Madagascar did not trouble the South African goalkeeper Andre Arendse, but their captain, Mamisoa Razafindrakoto, earned the man of the match award for his sterling performance in defence.

The semifinal draw proved kind to South Africa, as they meet Swaziland, while Malawi play Zambia in the other semi-final in Blantyre on August 10.