Puso Dithejane scored on his international debut as Bafana Bafana beat Egypt 1-0 in a friendly in Cairo on Sunday. His 51st-minute goal was the only one of the night, and Pitso Mosimane’s rotated side held on despite late Egyptian pressure.
The Goal
Dithejane struck early in the second half after pressing Egypt goalkeeper Shobeir, who lost his position at the crucial moment. It was a debut goal for the young winger, who had been tipped as a possible first-time starter in the build-up.
First Half: Chances at Both Ends
The opening 45 minutes ended goalless. Egypt came close through Marmoush, whose curler flew narrowly wide in the 9th minute, and a Hany volley from the edge of the box sailed over. Bafana grew into the game, with Matuludi’s cross-cum-shot in the 20th minute and Dithejane’s volley from a corner in the 27th. Matuludi then drove a first-time shot just over the bar in the 38th.
Changes and a Late Siege
Mosimane made a triple change at half-time, bringing on Campbell, Moremi and Ndamane for Matthews, Singh and Okon, and added Mbuthuma for Mailula in the 62nd minute. Egypt pushed hard for an equaliser late on. Goalkeeper Sage Goss made a crucial save from Hamza’s powerful header in the 71st minute and another in stoppage time, when Egypt also hit the crossbar on the rebound.
Mosimane’s Cairo Return
The win came with Mosimane back on familiar ground, having enjoyed major success in Egypt during his club coaching career. Both sides arrived in confident mood after identical 5-0 wins in their AFCON 2027 qualifiers earlier in the week.
Bafana Bafana Starting XI
Chaine (GK), Okon, Seema, Matuludi, Basadien, Sithole, Poggenpoel, Matthews, Dithejane, Singh, Mailula.
Who was your man of the match in Cairo? Tell us in the comments.
