USA broke their winless streak on African soil by beating South Africa 1-0 in the annual Nelson Mandela Challenge at Ellis Park Stadium on Saturday. A first-half goal by Hanover defender Steve Cherundolo in the 26th minute ensured that the visitors emerged victorious for the first time in their three visits to the continent.

The goal came after a well-worked move from the back, which ended in a thunderous shot by the overlapping Cherundolo that left goalkeeper Rowen Fernandez wondering what went past him.

South Africa failed to equalise two minutes later when tightly-marked Arminia Bielefeld striker Sibusiso Zuma mis-hit his effort.

USA could have added the second before the interval, but the diminutive Freddy Adu, who kept the Bafana Bafana players busy, missed with only the keeper to beat.

The second half started with the home side controlling most of the game, but they failed to equalise when Teko Modise's header went wide.

With Blackburn Rovers striker Benni McCarthy taken on by at least two US defenders every time he got the ball, players such as Delron Buckley and Zuma tried in vain to keep their supporters happy.

USA coach Bob Bradley had nothing but praise for the South Africans, but he was pleased with his team's display. "We scored a very beautiful goal. Our discipline and organisation paid off," he said.

"We were confident enough on the ball. I think South Africa put a lot into attack in the second half forcing us to defend more. We played against a very talented team...and strong. They gave us a chance in a tough environment to come with a win," he added.

Cherundolo, who scored his only second goal in his international career said that with his goal, he "just hit the ball and hoped for the best".

"We understood before the game that we don't give them room to run. It paid off, but I believe the (South Africa) team has a very bright future ahead," he concluded.

Charity was also a winner with over half a million rands raised for the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund.