From Lorch to Dithejane: Bafana Bafana Repeat Cairo Success Against Egypt
Bafana Bafana produced another memorable result on Egyptian soil, defeating Egypt 1-0 in an international friendly at Cairo International Stadium on Sunday night. While the victory will be remembered for a disciplined South African display and a decisive goal from Puso Dithejane, the atmosphere inside the stadium was noticeably different from the electric scenes witnessed seven years ago.
Attendance was somewhat disappointing, with far fewer supporters in the stands compared to the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations clash between the two nations. Back then, Cairo International Stadium was a sea of red as Egyptian fans packed the venue in anticipation of seeing their team advance. Instead, South Africa stunned the hosts with a famous 1-0 victory thanks to Thembinkosi Lorch’s late winner, booking a place in the AFCON quarter-finals.
The latest meeting may not have carried the same tournament stakes, but it once again ended in celebration for the South Africans. The visitors showed composure and resilience throughout the contest, frustrating the Pharaohs and capitalising on a crucial mistake after halftime.
Before kickoff, Bafana Bafana received a significant boost when South African President Cyril Ramaphosa visited the dressing room. The President, who was in Egypt for the 8th African Union Mid-Year Coordination Meeting, took time to address the squad and offer words of encouragement ahead of the high-profile encounter.
Upon arriving at the stadium, Ramaphosa was welcomed by SAFA President Dr Danny Jordaan and newly appointed Bafana Bafana head coach Pitso Mosimane. The national team mentor then introduced the Head of State to the players as preparations for the match entered their final stages.
Egypt started the game brightly and looked determined to impose themselves early on. Omar Marmoush came closest to opening the scoring in the ninth minute, but the forward failed to direct his close-range effort on target after finding space inside the penalty area.
South Africa gradually settled into the contest and began posing a threat on the counterattack. Cassius Mailula tested goalkeeper Mohamed Shobeir with a powerful strike from distance in the 25th minute, while Ibrahim Adel’s attempt four minutes later was comfortably gathered by Sipho Chaine as the teams went into the break deadlocked at 0-0.
The breakthrough arrived six minutes after the restart. A costly error from Shobeir saw the goalkeeper rush off his line and fail to clear the danger. Puso Dithejane reacted quickest, calmly firing the ball into an empty net to score his first international goal and hand South Africa a 1-0 advantage.
Egypt threw men forward in search of an equaliser and nearly found one in the 71st minute. Substitute Hamza Abdelkarim looked destined to score, but Ricardo Goss produced an excellent save to preserve Bafana’s lead and keep the hosts at bay.
The Pharaohs continued to push in the closing stages, yet South Africa’s defence remained organised and determined. When the final whistle sounded, Bafana Bafana had secured another impressive 1-0 victory in Cairo, adding a fresh chapter to their growing history of memorable results against Egypt on Egyptian soil.