South Africa boosted by return of striker Majoro

Coach Gordon Igesund also shrugged off the suspension of defender Anele Ngcongca for Saturday's last-eight game in Durban after his two yellow cards, saying "I think things were meant to happen this way."

Having been under pressure to lift South Africa after opening with a 0-0 draw against Cape Verde, Igesund has sounded more positive since a 2-2 draw with Morocco sent the host nation through to the knockout stages.

"To be honest, we were under huge pressure," Igesund said. "It would have been an absolute tragedy had we not qualified for the last eight. So the pressure is off as far as that issue is concerned."

Majoro had recovered from a cut to his left shin in the group win over Angola which needed stitches and ruled him out against Morocco, the team said. He would train by himself until Thursday, when he would join in the full sessions with his teammates ahead of the quarterfinal.

Igesund wasn't overly concerned with the unavailability of Belgian-based right back Ngcongca. The coach said he was close to picking Siboniso Gaxa on the right of defense against Mali anyway.