South Africa defeated Egypt one-zero in an international friendly at Cairo International Stadium, secured by a second-half goal from Puso Dithejane.
An international friendly in the Egyptian capital delivered an unexpected result as South Africa secured a one-zero victory over the host nation. The fixture, hosted at Cairo International Stadium, fell during a busy international window that otherwise saw both national teams preparing for ongoing qualifying fixtures across the continent.
Puso Dithejane Capitalizes on a Goalkeeping Error
The decisive moment arrived six minutes after the restart. South Africa launched a long ball from the center of the pitch, drawing Egyptian goalkeeper Mostafa Shobier out of his penalty area. Puso Dithejane reached the ball first, slipping it past a defender before rolling it into the empty net to break the deadlock.
Egypt spent much of the match pressing for an equalizer. Ibrahim Adel proved to be a persistent threat down the flanks, creating multiple opportunities in the first half, including an early buildup that saw Mostafa Zico attempt a back-heel shot collected by the visiting goalkeeper.
Hossam Hassan Rests Haitham Hassan and Overseas Stars
Egypt manager Hossam Hassan fielded a starting XI featuring Mostafa Shobier in goal behind a defensive line of Mohamed Hany, Hossam Abdel Maguid, Ramy Rabia, and Karim Hafez. The midfield featured Mehdi Lashin, Marwan Attia, and Imam Ashour, while the attack relied on Ibrahim Adel, Omar Marmoush, and Mostafa Zico. Technical staff opted to rest Haitham Hassan, keeping the Celtic winger out of the squad alongside absent overseas-based stars Mohamed Salah and Mohamed Abdelmonem.
Midway through the second half, a brief moment of confusion caught the cameras when manager Hossam Hassan prepared substitutions. As Mostafa Zico began walking toward the sideline, Hassan turned to his staff in surprise and asked Who said Zico?
halting the change and removing Omar Marmoush from the pitch instead.
Pitso Mosimane Reflects on Cairo Return
The 62-year-old previously managed Egyptian giants Al Ahly between 2020 and 2022, capturing six major trophies during his tenure. Before kickoff, he greeted Egypt team manager Ibrahim Hassan and walked over to the Pharaohs’ bench to embrace players including Ahmed Syed Zizo.
In today’s match we changed the team, I decided to give the opportunity to substitute players after the starters participated in the two qualifiers. We kept only two players who played in the World Cup and the two qualifiers, and we gave the substitute players the opportunity to participate.
Mosimane added that we are very happy with the young players, these players did not play in the World Cup, and they play organized football, our reliance is on speeds especially since they excel at it. Reflecting on his return to the stadium, he noted that upon entering Cairo Stadium, I remembered the derby of the century and Afsha’s goal, Zamalek had Imam Ashour, Zizo, Mostafa Mohamed, and Shikabala, and it was our duty to win that match.
Dignitaries in Attendance at Cairo Stadium
The fixture drew prominent figures to the stadium’s main box. Minister of Youth and Sports Gohar Nabil watched the match alongside South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. They were joined by Egyptian Football Association President Hany Abo Rida, South African Football Association President Danny Jordaan, Professional Football Clubs Association President Ahmed Diab, and United Sports Chairman Mohamed Yehia.
Both teams return attention to their respective continental qualification campaigns. Egypt currently tops Group Two of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers with four points following a scoreless draw against Angola and a five-nil victory over South Sudan, while South Africa leads Group Four with a perfect six points.
