South Africa secured their place in the next round of the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifiers with a commanding 3-1 victory over Egypt.
The result sealed a 4-2 aggregate win, knocking Egypt out of the competition.
The visitors started brightly and took control early in the first half. Neo Maema opened the scoring in the 15th minute, putting South Africa ahead with a well-placed finish.
Just 11 minutes later, Yandisa Mfolozi doubled the lead, leaving Egypt stunned in front of their home crowd.
Despite the early setback, Egypt responded before halftime, pulling one back to make it 2-1 at the break.
However, they struggled to build on that momentum in the second half as South Africa managed the game effectively and limited their chances.
Five minutes after the restart, South Africa extended their lead once again. Luthuli confidently converted a penalty in the 50th minute, making it 3-1 and putting the tie beyond Egypt’s reach.
Having drawn 1-1 in the first leg, South Africa knew they needed a strong performance in Cairo, and they delivered.
Their well-organised defence and efficient attack ensured they controlled the game and secured a deserved victory.
“I think we won the game from our training sessions because the plan we had really worked out. The players managed to implement it, and they showed a high level of technical endurance,” Ntseki said after the game.
“That is the ability to execute the technical plan for the longest time in the game, and I think they did that. What also really worked for us today was to score early, to unsettle Egypt in their home ground.
Also, the discipline that we had without the ball, I think was the best that one can look back at. Also, the players who were on the bench, players who were in the grandstand, I think they really gave the support we needed,” he concluded.