South Africa edge Egypt in international friendly after Ditegyani mistake

South Africa beat Egypt 1-0 in an international friendly after Boso Ditegyani capitalised on a goalkeeping error by Mustafa Shobier.

Chandry Campbell sent a cross from the middle of the pitch towards Ditegyani, who carried the ball into the penalty area after Shobier came out unsuccessfully. The South Africa forward was left with an open goal and finished calmly.

Egypt had more of the possession during the match, recording 51% overall compared with South Africa’s 49%, but struggled to turn their control into clear opportunities.

Omar Marmoush missed Egypt’s best chance of the first half when he collected the ball through on goal, advanced into the area and sent his shot narrowly wide of the right-hand post. Egypt players also appealed for a penalty during the move, but the referee waved play on.

Ibrahim Adel tested South Africa goalkeeper Sifiso Chene with a low effort after receiving a pass from Emam Ashour, while another shot from the left side of the area was comfortably saved.

Egypt kept South Africa under pressure in the opening stages, with a series of passes from the back and several attacks focused on the visitors’ defensive half. Karim Hafez delivered from the left before the defence cleared, and Mohamed Hany then struck over from outside the area.

Marwan Attia also went close with two powerful efforts from distance, although both shots went high or wide. Emam Ashour’s corner towards the near post was cleared, while a later cross from the right found Hafez, whose header went beyond the goal.

South Africa threatened through Cassius Mailula, whose powerful effort from the right side of the penalty area was stopped by Shobier. Boso Ditegyani also forced a straightforward save with a low shot, while Thabang Matulodi sent an effort wide.

The visitors’ defensive organisation limited Egypt’s attacks, with Aime Akon clearing from in front of Ibrahim Adel on one occasion. South Africa also created chances from set pieces, including a free-kick cross by Luther Singh that Shobier claimed.

At half-time, South Africa made one substitution and went on to make a second change, while Egypt also made one substitution at the start of the second half.

Egypt continued to look for an equaliser after the interval. Ibrahim Adel won a corner after his effort was blocked, Mohamed Hany had another cross deflected behind, and Ashour tried to beat his marker down the right before the ball ran out of play.

Shobier came out well to clear one dangerous South Africa attack into touch, and later dealt with another cross from Luther Singh. The referee added two minutes of stoppage time, but Egypt could not find a way through.

South Africa’s Fawaz Basadien and Sifivelo Sithole were involved in challenges that led to stoppages, while a South Africa player was booked for a late tackle on Ashour. Egypt’s Hossam Abdelmagid was also caught offside.