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Polokwane - Bafana Bafana midfielder Thulani Serero insisted that coach Shakes Mashaba made it clear to them at half-time that Senegal will play till the final whistle.
Bafana claimed their maiden competitive triumph over the Lions of Teranga in a 2018 World Cup qualifier played at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, on Saturday.
Serero alongside Thulani Hlatswayo were on target for Mashaba's troops as they took a surprise 2-0 lead at the end of the first-half.
The 26-year-old revealed that Mashaba instructed them to be cautious at the back in an attempt to defend their two goal lead.
Senegal grabbed a consolation goal courtesy through Dame N’Doye, who blasted the ball into the back of the net following a scramble inside the South African box. The last 15-minutes of the encounter went down to the wire following constant pressure from the African giants.
However, Mashaba's cautious approach paid off at the end of the day as South Africa went on to win the Group M encounter 2-1.
"It was a very difficult game for us, Senegal are a very good and strong team to play against," said Serero.
"We had to grind and go all out to get all three points because it was a must for us to get all the points especially when we are playing at home.
"The coach made it clear to us at half-time that Senegal would be coming at us with everything they have.
"And maybe they would put on an extra striker to strengthen their attack so we had to make sure that we defend our two goal lead."
Bafana will now switch focus to their international friendly clash against Mozambique in Maputo on Tuesday.
Kick off is at 19:00.
