Bongani Zungu's second-half header earned South Africa a 1-0 win over battling Namibia to boost their hopes of reaching the Africa Cup of Nations knockout stage.

Zungu converted from Percy Tau's corner in the 68th minute as South Africa bounced back from their opening defeat to Ivory Coast.

Bafana Bafana boss Stuart Baxter had warned his side ahead of the match not to underestimate Namibia and they did indeed prove tough opposition, goalkeeper Lloyd Kazapua proving equal to Themba Zwane's effort in the first half.

But Baxter's men finally made the breakthrough from a set-piece and closed out victory.

Victory moved South Africa level on three points with Ivory Coast in Group D ahead of their third match against already-qualified Morocco.

Namibia, despite two defeats from two, are not yet out of it, but need to beat Ivory Coast and hope South Africa lose to Morocco to stand any chance of progressing.