DURBAN — South Africa received a timely boost ahead of hosting the African Nations Cup next month when it began its pre-tournament preparations with a 3-1 home win over Malawi in Durban Saturday. Two goals in the first 13 minutes got the home side off to a rollicking start as it swarmed over its opponent to score through Lehlohonolo Majoro and Siphiwe Tshabalala. Malawi threatened to claw back after Joseph Kamwendo converted a penalty two minutes into the second half. However, SA restored its two-goal cushion with a penalty of its own 15 minutes from the end, converted by Swedish-based midfielder May Mahlangu. — Reuters