South Africa thumped a hapless Zimbabwe side 5-0 in the 2019 Caf Under-23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier which was played in Soweto on Friday evening.
David Notoane named a strong starting line-up with Europe-based strikers Lyle Foster and Luther Singh starting in attack.
On the other hand, Notoane's counterpart Tonderai Ndiraya included former SuperSport United striker Prince Dube in the starting line-up.
The hosts pressed the Young Warriors from the start as they searched for an early goal with Foster looking lively up front.
The Cercle Brugge striker's header went over the crossbar following a good cross from Reeve Frosler on the far side with the Zimbabwe defence caught ball-watching.
South Africa's early pressure did pay off when Kobamelo Kodisang scored following a great assist by Foster to make it 1-0 to the home side in the 17th minute.
Zimbabwe were struggling to contain Notoane's charges and they were soon 2-0 down just after the half-hour mark and Foster was involved once again.
The former Orlando Pirates striker set-up Singh, who unleashed a thunderous long-range shot which beat Zimbabwe goalkeeper Martin Mapisa.
The momentum was with the hosts and they extended their lead when Teboho Mokoena scored with a powerful shot to make it 3-0 to South Africa heading into the half-time break.
South Africa continued to attack after the restart with the Zimbabwe defence struggling to contain Moreirense striker Singh.
Singh, who won the 2017 Caf Under-20 Afcon Golden Boot, did grab his brace when he beat Mapisa to make it 4-0 to South Africa with a well-taken shot on the hour-mark.
Notoane's men were running riot as Foster got the goal he had been looking for in the 66th minute to extend South Africa's lead to 5-0 lead on the night.
The visitors pushed for a late consolation goal, but South Africa stood firm at the back and ultimately, the hosts emerged 5-0 winners.
The second-leg encounter will be played in Zimbabwe on Tuesday and the winner on aggregate will qualify for the U23 Afcon finals.
