A brace from Italy-based striker Siyabonga Nomvete handed Bafana Bafana a positive start in the 2004 African Cup of Nations with a 2-0 victory against Benin in their Group D clash at Sfax on Tuesday.

The result comes as a major confidence booster for beleaguered South Africa, who fired their coach Ephraim Mashaba on the eve of their departure for the tournament.

The side looked lethargic in the first half but Nomvete's two well-taken goals on 58 and 76 minutes enlivened a match which had delivered little excitement before the first goal.

This victory takes Bafana to the top of the group on a better goal average with Morocco second following their shock 1-0 win against tournament favourites Nigeria earlier in the day.

Nomvete earlier missed a penalty on the stroke of halftime but that setback did little to deflate his confidence. If anything he appeared to grow in confidence and got involved in almost every attack.

The former Kaizer Chiefs striker grabbed the opener with a diving heade arfter a super free-kick from veteran midfielder John Moshoeu. For his second, Nomvete collected a fine through ball from Sibusiso Zuma and did well under pressure to power home the insurance goal and his 12th in the Bafana colours.

After comfortably dealing with the earlier threat from Benin, Bafana surged forward in search of the maximum points. Copenhagen midfielder Zuma was particularly impressive with his runs down the flanks.

Benin will rue their missed chances as they have tough matches coming against wounded Nigeria and high-flying Morocco.

After a promising start to the second half Benin caught the Bafana defence napping but Energie Cottbus midfielder Moussa Latoundji’s initial shot hit the crossbar and his follow-up was well saved by Emile Baron, who was given the run against experienced Andre Arendse. Two minutes later Benin were on the offensive again but this time Jonas Oketola’s volley goes wide.

The spirits should be high in the South African camp as they prepare for their second match against Nigeria on Saturday.

Teams:

South Africa: 16-Emile Baron; 2-Thabang Molefe, 3-Jacob Lekgetho, 4-Aaron Mokoena, 7-Mbulelo Mabizela, 13-Benson Mhlongo, 19-John Moshoeu, 18-Delron Buckley, 15-Sibusiso Zuma, 14-Siyabonga Nomvete, 21-Patrick Mayo

Benin: 1-Rachad Chitou; 5-Damien Chrysostome, 8-Tony Toklomety, 15-Anicet Adjamonsi, 18-Seidath Tchomogo, 2-Moussa Latoundji, 6-Jonas Oketola, 7-Roumauld Bocco, 19-Jocelyn Ahoueya, 11-Muri Ogunbiyi, 14-Alain Gaspoz

Referee: Komlan Coulibaly (Mali)