South Africa are on the verge of qualifying for the African Nations Cup finals after striker Siyabonga Nomvete marked his first match in almost a year with the winning goal in a 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast on Sunday.

Nomvete missed the entire Serie A season through injury for his Italian club Udinese but came on as a second-half substitute to grab the winner in Polokwane, 300km north of Johannesburg.

The victory leaves South Africa needing just a draw away at bottom team Burundi early next month to take top place in Group 11. Burundi have yet to earn a point after their three matches.

Nomvete, who is getting married next weekend, struck from close range in the 65th minute after a quick interchange of passes with Stanton Fredericks.

It was his first appearance for South Africa since last year's World Cup finals in South Korea and Japan.

Sunday's win came after a tense tussle against the unbeaten Ivorians, who are level on seven points with South Africa having played a game more and would have qualified with a victory.

Charlton Athletic striker Shaun Bartlett opened the scoring for South Africa in the 21st minute with a header from Delron Buckley's cross, which was completely missed by Ivorian goalkeeper Daniel Yeboah.

But South Africa's defence was caught out four minutes before halftime when goalkeeper Andre Arendse spilt a free kick from Serge Die and captain Bonaventure Kalou was able to turn and strike the loose ball into the net.

Ivorian striker Didier Drogba, the subject of much transfer speculation in France where he plays for En Avant Guingamp, came close to a late equaliser but headed over in the last minute.