Thuso Phala scored nine minutes from time to give South Africa a 1-0 home victory over Zambia Sunday in a 2015 Africa Cup of Nations warm-up game.

The wide midfielder, who came off the bench during the second half at sun-baked Orlando Stadium in Soweto, netted from close range.

A superb pass from fellow substitute Sibusiso Vilakazi created space for Phala, who gave Zambia goalkeeper Danny Munyau no chance with a hard, rising shot.

The goal was a welcome relief for a 15,000 crowd, who had to endure two shot-shy sides sparring ahead of the January 17-February 8 African showpiece in Equatorial Guinea.

It took 61 minutes before there was a shot on target, and that came from South Africa defender and captain Anele Ngcongca, who was foiled by the outstretched leg of Munyau.

The Zambia shot-stopper came on deep in first-half stoppage time after veteran first-choice Kennedy Mweene retired with a groin injury.

Zambia, the 2012 Cup of Nations champions, displayed some fancy footwork -- especially from midfielder Chisamba Lungu -- and neat build-ups, but did not manage even one shot on target.

South Africa are in Group C at the Cup of Nations with Algeria, Ghana and Senegal, and Zambia in Group B with Cape Verde, Democratic Republic of Congo and Tunisia.