Second-half goals from Relebohile Mofokeng and Jayden Adams secured a hard-fought victory, giving Bafana Bafana a crucial two-point lead over second-placed Benin.

For Lesotho, this second defeat in the campaign sees them drop to fifth place, five points adrift of South Africa's pace-setting form.

Bafana Bafana dominated possession from the outset but struggled to break through a stubborn Lesotho defense in the first half. Youngster Relebohile Mofokeng was lively early on, firing wide in the eighth minute before forcing a save from goalkeeper Sekhoane Moerane shortly after. Percy Tau also came close, sending a powerful shot into the side netting midway through the first half.

The best chance of the opening period fell to Nkosinathi Sibisi, whose header from a corner was cleared off the line in the 35th minute. Moments later, Mofokeng had another opportunity, but Moerane was equal to the task.

Bafana continued to press, with Jayden Adams and Teboho Mokoena both attempting ambitious long-range strikes. Lyle Foster also saw a golden opportunity go begging just before halftime, misjudging a cross from Khuliso Mudau and heading wide.

South Africa nearly took the lead early in the second half when Foster's low shot struck the post, rebounded off Moerane, and ricocheted onto the other post in a moment of sheer misfortune for the hosts.

The breakthrough finally arrived in the 61st minute. Elias Mokwana dazzled down the right flank, cutting through Lesotho's defense before setting up Mofokeng, who rifled a shot past Moerane to make it 1-0.

Buoyed by the opener, Bafana Bafana doubled their lead just minutes later. A slick passing move set up Adams, whose first shot was blocked, but he calmly slotted home the rebound to put South Africa firmly in control at 2-0.

The hosts had opportunities to extend their lead, with Tau and substitute Iqraam Rayners both coming close, but in the end, they settled for a convincing and well-earned victory - one that could be a pivotal step toward securing a World Cup berth.

Both teams return to Group C action on Tuesday, April 25. South Africa will face Benin in Abidjan, while Lesotho travel to Kigali to take on Rwanda.

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