Puso Dithejane seals perfect Bafana Bafana camp with debut goal against Egypt

Puso Dithejane marked his Bafana Bafana debut with the winning goal as South Africa completed a perfect international camp by beating Egypt 1-0 in Cairo on Sunday.

The 22-year-old Chicago Fire winger struck in the 51st minute at Cairo International Stadium, ending his side’s three-match camp with three victories. His goal was also his first at senior international level.

President Cyril Ramaphosa was among the dignitaries in the stands for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations International Friendlies match.

Dithejane reacted quickest during a scramble between an Egyptian defender and goalkeeper, winning possession before calmly finishing into an unguarded net.

The victory came after South Africa recorded 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying wins over Guinea and Eritrea. It gave Pitso Mosimane’s team a perfect return from the September-October international window.

Ramaphosa had visited the Bafana Bafana camp before the match, where he was welcomed by South African Football Association president Dr Danny Jordaan and Mosimane. He was then introduced to the players before travelling to Cairo International Stadium, where he watched the game alongside other heads of state and dignitaries.

Mosimane made extensive changes to his starting line-up after South Africa’s 5-0 victory over Eritrea on Wednesday. Rather than retain the players who had delivered that emphatic result, the coach rotated heavily and offered several squad members the opportunity to impress against one of Africa’s heavyweight nations.

The alterations did not weaken South Africa’s shape or competitiveness. Bafana Bafana remained organised throughout the contest and resisted Egypt before Dithejane supplied the decisive moment.

For Dithejane, the match provided an ideal introduction to international football. He received his first Bafana Bafana cap and immediately delivered the goal that secured victory against Egypt.

His performance also gave Mosimane another selection decision to consider, with a number of players making their case during the friendly after others had excelled in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Relebohile Mofokeng scored twice in the win over Eritrea, while Oswin Appollis claimed three assists. Against Egypt, however, it was Dithejane who made the difference.

South Africa leave Cairo having scored eight goals and conceded only one across the camp. The three wins represent a perfect return for Mosimane as he continues to develop his squad.