Slovenia became the third team to exit the World Cup finals after losing 1-0 to South Africa today in what was a dour, lifeless encounter.
The South Africans recorded their first ever victory at a finals thanks to an early goal from Siyabonga Nomvethe, who proved an inspired change from the team that drew 2-2 with Paraguay.
Jomo Sono's team move on to four points and have given themselves a great chance of qualifying behind Spain in Group B.
Slovenia meanwhile saw their hopes snuffed out after a disastrous week and join Saudi Arabia and Nigeria among the first-round casualties.
Star playmaker Zlatko Zahovic was thrown out of the squad for criticising coach Srecko Katanec's tactics in the 3-1 defeat to Spain and the coach himself has said he is quitting after the tournament.
Katanec's influence on his team was limited here after he was expelled from the dugout early in the second half, apparently for arguing with officials.
South Africa took the lead after just four minutes when Nomvethe jumped to head a teasing Quinton Fortune cross but instead directed the ball in off his thigh.
Nomvethe, a former South African player of the year, did not feature in the draw against Paraguay but he reaped almost instant rewards here, twisting away from his markers to give Slovenian goalkeeper Marko Simeunovic no chance.
In the second half, the Bafana Bafana (The Boys) could have extended their lead on several occasions as Benni McCarthy headed against a post and later blasted the ball straight at the goalkeeper when perfectly placed on the edge of the six-yard box.
The Slovenian keeper managed to deflect a Delron Buckley shot on the break to give his side some hope, but his team-mates failed to respond to the challenge.
Slovenia had almost equalised with their very first effort on target, Nastja Ceh's powerful header forcing South African keeper Andre Arendse into a good save after 70 minutes.
Amir Karic's drive skimmed just over the South African goal with five minutes to play as they pushed in vain for an equaliser to stay alive in the tournament.