Bafana Bafana battled back to secure a 1-1 draw against Egypt in the first leg of their African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifier on Sunday evening.
African Nations Championship Qualifier
Result: South Africa 1-1 Egypt
Date: 02 March 2025
Venue: Free State Stadium
The make-shift squad was only brought into camp was brought into training on Wednesday, while some of the players only joined the camp on Thursday.Molefi Ntseki was also given the coaching reigns for both legs in place of Helman Mkhalele, with the former Kaizer Chiefs coach appointing Neo Mema the captain for the clash in his home city of Bloemfontein.
Orlando Pirates winger Monnapule Saleng was the headline name in the Bafana line-up, especially considering he last played a competitive game for his club in December.
There was not much to write home about in the opening 45 minutes as neither nation could find the back of the net, with Bafana Samukelo Xulu barley needed to make a save.
Ntseki's charges enjoyed a lot more of the ball in the early parts of the second half, with Saleng carving out some space before forcing the Egyptian goalkeeper into a save eight minutes in.
The hosts responded with a double change after 65 minutes, as Aphelele Teto on for Tendamudzimu Matodzi on the right flank, while clubless Siyethemba Sithebe replaced Siphelele Luthuli in the midfield.
However, Egypt took the lead minutes later as Mohamed Hassan found the back of the net with a superb volley from distance that left Xulu with no chance, securing a vital away goal in the process.
Bafana did get back on level terms in the 76th minute as Jamie Webber was given and time to pick his spot before unleashing a superb strike that sailed into the top corner.
Here's how they lined up:
South Africa: Xulu, Mfolozi, Smith, Baloyi, Mashego, Luthuli, Webber, Maema, Saleng, Jansen, Matodzi,
Subs: Gumede, Sithebe, Teto, Hlongwane, Sam, Mini, Seabi, Tshobeni, Mhlongo, McCarthy
