South Africa lost 1-0 to Mozambique in the the opening match of the COSAFA Cup in Bloemfontein on Wednesday.
Hosts Bafana Bafana would have hoped to get the tournament underway in style at the Toyota Stadium, but have been left to pick up the pieces after a defeat in their first outing.
The tense game appeared headed for draw before Antonio Sumbane stepped up to score the only goal in the 75th minute, and though Bafana Bafana searched for the equaliser, they were ultimately unable to find it.
The loss to a team 40 places below them in the world rankings leaves South Africa bottom of Group A with games against Mauritius and Zimbabwe still to come.
There is a quick turnaround to the next match as South Africa face Zimbabwe in their second group game on Saturday.