Egypt prove too good for South Africa in all-African tie
Photos: Angelica Ibarra Rodriguez
Egypt secured a deserved victory against a South Africa side that had tongues wagging among the teams on Day 1 thanks to their win over Mexico.
The All-African match-up proved to be a high-tempo affair from the get-to, with Egypt’s goalkeeper and captain the two standout performers as Egypt ran out 4-2 winners.
Egypt started much the stronger of the two sides, forcing the South Africa keeper into a number of saves to keep the scoreline level. The bar then came to South Africa’s rescue, before a quick counter-attack saw them force the Egypt keeper into making a smart save.
A moment of madness from a South Africa player - who ventured into his goalkeeper’s penalty area - offered Egypt the chance to take the lead from a penalty, but the South Africa keeper produced a smart save to keep it 0-0. Moments later, Egypt took the lead after a goalkeeping error left Egypt with two players free in the opposition half.
A well-worked free-kick by Egypt saw them go 2-0 before a smart attacking move just before half-time saw Egypt extend their lead further just before half-time.
Photos: Angelica Ibarra Rodriguez
South Africa came back into the game but squandered two good chances to score shortly after the second half got underway, before Egypt’s goalkeeper took a sore one, blocking a shot with his face as South Africa pressed for a goal.
Moments later, a shot from distance saw Egypt go 4-0 up before South Africa finally got off the mark after a save from the Egypt goalkeeper landed at the feet of a South Africa player to slot home.
Egypt found themselves camped out in their own half as South Africa went in search of more goals that would get them back into the tie, and despite reducing the deficit to 4-2, Egypt were able to see it out to register a merited victory.
Speaking after the game, Egypt captain Ahmed Abdelal - the author of three of his team’s goals - said: “I feel very good. It was a beautiful game. I love to play street football. I’ve been wanting to come here for five years to play, but every year I’ve had problems in Egypt. But now I’m here and I feel good. I want to play 24 hours a day.
“I’m happy that I am representing my country and that I am the captain for Egypt. We are family, not players. We are happy that we won.
Egypt coach Mohamed Abou Hussein added: “The team is performing great. Unfortunately we lost three players on the way here so we only came with five. So it’s a bit hard for them. I feel them. It’s a fast-paced game and they want to give it their all. I’m very proud of them and they deserve it. It’s a family and they make me feel part of that family too.
“I think they are still getting used to everything here and dealing with jet lag. I think they are enjoying themselves. Everything is a new experience for them.”
Words: Craig Williams
Photos: Angelica Ibarra Rodriguez