The high-tempo clash was an end-to-end affair from the first whistle to the last. The South Africans adapted better to the conditions, while the visitors ran out of steam towards the latter stages, struggling with cramps and fatigue. Given their long journey from Egypt – only arriving in South Africa on Friday – it was understandable.

Mohamed Antar. Photo: Morgan Piek

Egypt took the lead in the 66th minute when Mohamed Antar rifled a stunning shot into the back of the net. This came after South Africa had an earlier goal ruled out for offside. Antar was a constant threat throughout the game and was by far Egypt’s most dangerous player on the pitch.

With ten minutes left in regulation time, Bafana hit back through Jamie Webber, who unleashed a sublime long-range effort. Having attempted a similar shot earlier, this time he found the top-left corner to perfection, leaving Egyptian goalkeeper and captain Mahmoud Abou El Saoud with no chance.

Monnapule Saleng. Photo: Morgan Piek

Sensing an opportunity, Bafana pushed forward in search of a winner, launching wave after wave of attacks. However, despite their exhaustion, the Egyptian defence held firm.

After the match, Bafana’s stand-in head coach, Molefi Ntseki, told OFM Sport that he was pleased with his team’s fighting spirit.

“The critical phases of the game are the most important moments,” said Ntseki.

Jamie Webber. Photo: Morgan Piek

“We scored, but the goal was ruled offside. You have to manage the game after scoring because excitement sets in, and sometimes discipline drops. That disallowed goal shook our confidence a bit. Then, when you look at how Egypt scored, it was a moment of individual brilliance.

“Yes, in football, you could argue that we should have applied more pressure on the ball and denied them space, but these moments happen. It all comes down to how you manage them.”

Ntseki added that they knew exactly what to expect from a North African side and were able to adjust their game plan accordingly.

“In the second half, we knew that teams from Arab-speaking countries – Egypt, Morocco, Algeria – tend to come out with high intensity in the first 20 minutes. We expected it, and they delivered.

“After that, they faded, and we took control of the game. The same thing happened in the second half – they came at us hard for 20 minutes, using quick combinations, but after that, we dominated. These are the types of experiences that are crucial for our players.”

The return leg will be played on Sunday in Cairo, with kick-off scheduled for 19:30.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cg