Bafana Bafana fought to a hard-earned 1-1 draw against Egypt in the first leg of their African Nations Championship (CHAN) first-round qualifier at Free State Stadium on Sunday.
The match was a tale of two halves, with South Africa showing resilience to come from behind and secure an important draw ahead of the return leg.
Egypt took the lead in the 68th minute through a clinical strike from Mohamed Hassan. However, Bafana Bafana responded 11 minutes later, equalizing in the 79th minute thanks to a composed finish from Jamie Webber.
The match marked the first time that former Bafana Bafana and Kaizer Chiefs coach Molefi Ntseki was at the helm for the national team since taking charge.
Ntseki, who is now leading South Africa in the CHAN qualifiers, faced a challenge in selecting a squad largely made up of fringe players from domestic clubs, as the CHAN tournament only features players based in their home countries.
The squad’s lack of cohesion and rhythm was evident in the first half, where they struggled to assert themselves on the field and found it difficult to break down the Egyptian defense.
Monnapule Saleng came close from an early corner with a shot that he basted over the poles, ahead of a curled Neo Maema shot that was plucked out of the air by Pharaohs goalkeeper Mahmoud Abou El Saoud.
Saleng was Bafana’s liveliest player after the break as well and beat Mohamed Gaber to create space for a 58th minute chance, but El Saoud made a good low save.
Despite the South African defense managing to keep them at bay for much of the first period, Egypt’s quality eventually told when Hassan broke the deadlock with a well-taken goal, volleying home a superb shot past goalkeeper Samukelo Xulu.
Nevertheless, as the match wore on, Bafana Bafana began to find their rhythm. Ntseki’s tactical adjustments seemed to have an impact, and the team gradually grew into the contest.
Webber’s equalizer came as a result of patient buildup play and a timely, accurate cross that he expertly finished. The ex-Sekhukhune United man popped up with a powerful effort minutes later to beat El Saoud and give his side a chance ahead of the second leg on Sunday.
The goal injected new life into South Africa, who began to press more effectively in the final stages of the match, looking for a potential winner.
The 1-1 draw leaves the tie finely poised heading into the return leg in Egypt. Bafana Bafana will be encouraged by their second-half performance, but they will need to improve their first-half showing and tighten up defensively if they are to progress in the competition.
The away leg at the Suez Canal Authority Stadium in Egypt will present a tougher challenge, but the draw gives South Africa a fighting chance to secure qualification for the 2025 African Nations Championship.