South Africa 1-0 Egypt | Match Video Review | friendly
Match Facts:
FT: South Africa 1-0 Egypt
Goal By: Mpho Makola 7′
Bafana Bafana beat Egypt 1-0 in the Nelson Mandela Challenge clash.
The hosts almost gifted Egypt with the opening goal in the seventh minute when Clayton Daniels gave the ball away cheaply in a dangerous position, but Itumeleng Khune bailed out his centre-back with a sharp save.
Moments later the ball found the back of the net at the other end of the pitch. Mandla Masango served up a terrific cross that Mpho Makola headed home at the far post for a 1-0 lead.
Like us on FBMakola was in the mood to attack the visiting defence and forced the Egypt goalkeeper into a save at his near post after he smashed a shot on target in the 13th minute.
South Africa slowly took control of the tie, enjoying much of the possession as they eased into the half-time break with a narrow lead.
Egypt came out full of positive intent after the interval and came close to levelling matters in the 49th minute when a cut-back from the right-hand byline was headed wide of the target.
A few minutes later Mohamed Salah was inches away from equalising when a square ball set him up perfectly for a shot, but he directed it wide of the far post.
Both sides struggled to carve out openings as the second half went on, which prompted Shakes Mashaba to introduce Sibusiso Vilakazi replaces Gabuza, and Ramahlwe Mphahlele comes on for Abbubaker Mobara after 60 minutes.
The Egyptians were a threat throughout the second, but were let down by some poor finishing and decision-making by Mohamed Salah.
Nonetheless, Bafana settled back into their rhythm and looked relatively comfortable as they saw out the game with their lead intact to claim the Nelson Mandela Challenge title.
Line-ups:
South Africa: Itumeleng Khune, Abbubaker Mobara (Ramahlwe Mphahlele 61), Clayton Daniels, Thulani Hlatshwayo, Tebogo Langerman (Sifiso Hlanti 82), Andile Jali, Dean Furman, Mpho Makola, Mandla Masango (Deolin Mekoa 77), Keagan Dolly (Hlompho Kekana 65), Thamsanqa Gabuza (Sibusiso Vilakazi 61).
Egypt: Ahmed El-Shennawi, Omar Gaber (Ahmed Fathi 76), Ahmed Dweidar, Ali Gabr, Mohamed Abdel-Shafi, Ibrahim Salah, Mohamed Elneny (Tarek Hamed 63), Abdallah El-Saied (Ramadan Sobhi 78), Mohamed Salah, Mahmoud Trezeguet, Ahmed Kouka (Amr Gamal 81)
Watch the Goal here:
Chance for #Egypt
Another Chance for Mohamed Salah
