A delightful free-kick from Teboho Mokoena gave South Africa a thoroughly deserved 1-0 victory over Cote d'Ivoire in the U23 African Cup of Nations on Tuesday.

Mokoena's curling free kick from 30 yards went over the wall and into the top corner off the crossbar as South Africa were rewarded for their dominance 11 minutes from time.

They should have gone earlier on two occasions in the first half.

Lyle Foster robbed the Ivorian keeper but then missed an open net and was guilty of another glaring miss shortly after, firing a low shot wide of the post with the goal at his mercy.

After Mokoena gave them the lead, they spurned another golden chance in stoppage time when a header from substitute Matlala Makgalwa struck the bar and a follow-up effort was blocked by the defence.

South Africa top Group B with four points following an opening draw with Zambia. Cote d'Ivoire are second on three points, followed by Zambia (1 point) and pointless Nigeria. The latter duo meet in the other group match later on Tuesday.

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