Rangers star Bongani Zungu played the full 90-minutes as South Africa came from behind to dump Sao Tome 4-2 in their African Cup of Nations Qualifiers.
The Ibrox midfielder was promoted to the starting XI after a superb substitute display in the 2-0 reverse of this fixture earlier in the week.
The powerful midfielder earned the plaudits of supporters for his superb range of passing – which led him to assisting Percy Tau’s opener – and his finely taken headed goal from a corner.
This time around Zungu started the clash with the 210k population island nation alongside former Rangers midfielder Dean Furman in the middle of the park.
But the Bafana Bafana quickly found themselves 1-0 down after 12 minutes courtesy of a Jocy strike.
Themba Zwane would have South Africa level before halftime courtesy of a Dean Furman pass, with Zungu involved in the build-up.
Zungu would also come close to scoring himself before Percy Tau – the pacey winger on loan at Anderlecht from Premier League Brighton – had the nation in front on 70 minutes.
Only five minutes later Sao Tome player Harramiz had the nation level but after Ivonaldo was sent off for a second yellow card with nine minutes to play, South Africa took full advantage.
Mamelodi Sundowns star Themba Zwane would add his second of the match to make it 3-2 before Percy Tau also completed a brace in the closing stages to make it 4-2.
The result leaves South Africa in a strong position to qualify for next year’s tournament in Cameroon, with country sitting second in the Group C on nine points with two matches to go.