South Africa came from behind to beat defending champions Zambia 2-1 in the COSAFA U-17 Cup on Tuesday to advance at the Young Bullets' expense.
The win means South Africa end their Group B campaign in top spot, and will advance to the semi finals, while Zambia - on four points - cannot now advance as the best runner-up.
In Group A, Namibia secured their progression with a victory over Botswana, while Mauritius could yet progress as best runners-up after thumping the Seychelles.
It all looked good for Zambia early on as they took the lead through Vincent Kalinda in the seventh minute, but their lead lasted just five minutes before Thando Buthelezi levelled the clash.
As Zambia wilted in Port Louis, South Africa grew into the contest, and Boitumelo Radiopane netted a late winner to send Bafana through as group winners.
Zambia, whose defeat comes only two days after their U-20 team missed out on qualification for the African Cup of Nations, will look back on their inability to beat Mozambique in their opener as particularly costly.
In the group's other game, Mozambique defeated Lesotho 2-1 to end their campaign on a high.
Over in Group A, Prins Tjiueza struck his fifth of the tournament as Namibia beat Botswana 2-0, with Gonzeles Tsuseb adding the second.
Namibia, on six points, advance as group winners, and will face Group C's winner in the semis, while South Africa will square off against the best runners-up.
That could yet be Mauritius, who demolished the Seychelles 6-1, with David Aristide netting twice.
Mauritius, who have also taken six points from their group campaign, can still advance as the best runners-up, although they'll be keeping a close eye on Group C's denouement on Wednesday.
Angola have already advanced on six points, and they could be joined by either Swaziland or Malawi, who meet at the Stade Anjalay.