Bafana Bafana captain Bongani Khumalo was left thanking his lucky stars after his side secured their progression to the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations.
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South Africa needed a draw in their final group match against Morocco on Sunday to ensure they qualified for the knockout phase.
However, the host nation found themselves under the cosh as the Lions of Atlas showed great attacking intent that was rewarded in the 10th minute when Issam El Adoua headed home.
The north Africans looked the most dangerous for much of the encounter, with Bafana unable to control the game in the manner in which they did against Angola.
Matters were level in the 71st minute when May Mahlangu slotted home a great free-kick but there would be further twists in the tale as Abdelilah Hafidi looked to have sent his team into the next round with an 82nd-minute strike.
It was to be hosts' night though as Siyabonga Sangweni leveled matters once more four minutes later to snatch a 2-2 draw.
The last 20 minutes of the match produced a rollercoaster of emotions that left Khumalo a relieved man.
"That's the magic of the game," he told Football411 of the nail-biting finish.
Gordon Igesund's side will now remain in Durban where they play their quarter-final clash on Saturday and the players appear pleased to be staying where they are.
"The support here has been incredible, they have shown us a lot of love in this city and I'm very happy that we will be playing our next round here," said Khumalo. "We want to give our best and we just ask for more of the same support."
SA goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune echoed his skipper's sentiments.
"The Moroccan's were unlucky today because the crowd played a major role in the match," he told Football411. "So thanks to everyone who came out and we're going to need them in our next game
"With the kind of support we are getting we can go all the way, I don't see anyone stopping us."
Julia Harris in Durban
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