© Reuters 2002

A last-minute goal from substitute Benedict Vilakazi ensured success for South Africa in the second leg of the Cosafa Castle Cup final against Malawi in and gave them an overall 4-1 aggregate win.

Vilakazi finished off a series of one-twos with two colleagues that he had started on the halfway line.

The 1-0 win for the South Africans came as something of a formality after they had beaten Malawi 3-1 in the first leg in Blantyre last Saturday.

Malawi made five changes for the second leg and ensured a tight game with few chances, determined to succeed in a damage-limitation exercise.

South African striker Jimmy Kauleza rattled the woodwork with a shot on the volley in the first half but the game looked headed for a goalless draw before Vilakazi's produced some last-minute fireworks.

The victory was South Africa's first in the regional competition after five years of competing.

The World Cup finalists used just two of their players from the tournament in Japan and South Korea earlier this year.

It was also a first success for new coach Ephraim Mashaba, in charge of only his fourth game since taking over after the World Cup.

"It was really fantastic to finally win this trophy and to do it with home-based players," said Mashaba, who now turns his attention to the African Nations Cup qualifiers.