Dithejane scores on debut as South Africa edge Egypt in Cairo

Puso Dithejane scored on his Bafana Bafana debut as South Africa secured a 1-0 friendly win over Egypt at Cairo International Stadium on Sunday.

The victory completed a perfect week for Pitso Mosimane’s team, who followed Wednesday’s 5-0 win over Eritrea in an AFCON 2027 qualifier with another impressive result against more experienced opposition.

Mosimane made nine changes to the side that started against Eritrea, with only Ime Okon and Sphephelo Sithole retaining their places. Debutants Dithejane and Tashreeq Matthews were named in the starting line-up, while Luther Singh returned after scoring as a substitute in midweek.

Sipho Chaine captained a youthful-looking team, with Cassius Mailula leading the attack and Brooklyn Poggenpoel joining Sithole in midfield. Lebone Seema, Thabang Matuludi and Fawaaz Basadien completed the defence.

Egypt made only three changes from the side that had beaten South Sudan 5-0.

The hosts created the early chances. Omar Marmoush cut inside Okon before curling an effort wide in the ninth minute, while Mohamed Hany fired over four minutes later after Okon’s headed clearance fell into his path.

South Africa grew into the match as the first half progressed, with right-back Matuludi providing an attacking threat. He shot wide after linking up with Matthews, then forced another save from Shobeir with a stronger effort shortly before the interval.

Dithejane also became increasingly influential and created an opening for Mailula, although the striker’s attempt was comfortably handled by Shobeir.

At the other end, Seema helped keep Egypt from making further progress, producing several important clearances as well as a crucial block.

South Africa took the lead five minutes after half-time. Shandre Campbell, brought on for Singh at the break, played the ball forward and Shobeir came rushing out of his goal.

Dithejane put the goalkeeper under pressure, prompting a poor clearance that struck the debutant before rebounding into his path. He kept his composure to finish into an empty net.

Mosimane then replaced Chaine with Ricardo Goss, and the Sundowns goalkeeper played a decisive role in preserving the lead.

Goss produced an excellent save to deny substitute Hamza Abdelkarim and made another vital intervention in stoppage time, diving low to keep out Ibrahim Adel’s header.

Abdelkarim hit the crossbar with the rebound, but Bafana Bafana held on for a notable victory.

The result gave Mosimane another positive outcome since his return to the Bafana dugout, while Dithejane’s goal provided the coach with another attacking option to consider.