South Africa got their 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign off to a winning start, after claiming a 2-0 win over Nigeria at Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Saturday.

Tokelo Rantie and Percy Tau were the heroes as Bafana crippled Super Eagles wings to record their second victory over Nigeria in an international match.

The win was not easyto come as the home-side controlled proceedings from winning an early corner with Moses Simon missing an open chance early in the first half.

South Africa later grew into the game and showed glimpses of their quick passing game. Vilekazi saw an effort strike the post after Akpeyi failed to clear a cross from Dolly from the net.

The visitors broke the deadlock 10 minutes into second half when Ramahlwe Mphahlele headed past Daniel Akpeyi to give Bafana a well deserving lead.

The second half saw the Eagles start brightly once again, Ndidi seeing a volley go over the bar.

Eagles best chance was in the 64th minute Elderson Echiejile failed to track back a loose ball sending it far wide from the pitch.

But things would however change when Bafana who were already playing on the counter extended the lead in the 80th minute when Percy Trau doubled the lead.

Bafana Bafana could have added a third in later stages of the match when Rantie and Zwane combined to free the latter on the right but his shot hit the post.

Super Eagles now face a uphill task to qualify for the 2019 African Cup of Nations. Libya defeated Seychelles 4 – 0 in the other group F game.

Bafana XI vs Nigeria: Khune; Mphahlele, Mathoho, Hlatshwayo (c), Langerman; Furman, Zungu; Zwane, Dolly, Vilakazi; Rantie.

Nigeria XI vs Bafana: Akpeyi; Elderson, Shehu, Awaziem, Ekong; Ndidi, Onazi, Etebo; Simon, Iwobi; Iheanacho.