By REGINALD KANYANE
12 March 2025 – South Africa is through to the next round of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifiers after beating Egypt 3-1 at the Suez Canal Stadium, in Ismailia, on Sunday night. Coach Molefi Ntseki’s charges won the two-legged tie 4-2 on aggregate after drawing the first leg 1-1 in Bloemfontein a week ago, and they now progress to the final qualifying round to be played in May 2025.
The South Africans have grown in confidence and fluidity since assembling two weeks ago. They signalled their intentions very early in the match, bossing around the hosts in their own Ismailia backyard.
It was not long before captain Neo Maema once again rewarded the technical team’s faith in him when he scored the opening goal of the match from close range in the 15th minute. Such was the visitors’ confidence and calm execution of the task at hand you would have sworn that they were playing at home in South Africa.
Ntseki said his players then proceeded to make themselves really at home when they increased the lead to 2-0 through Yandisa Mfolozi in the 26th minute. He further said Egypt pulled one back when Mohamed Abouelenein found the back of the net in the 32nd minute.
“We never dropped our heads after that Abouelenein goal and increased their lead in the 50th minute when Siphelele Luthuli scored from the penalty spot to put the game beyond the hosts.
“Incredibly, we could have scored more goals, and such was their dominance that the final score came dangerously close to triggering blushes in the home changeroom,” said Ntseki.
He added that they won the game from the training sessions because the plan they had really worked out. Ntseki said the players managed to implement it, and they showed a high level of technical endurance.
“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 us the support we needed,” he said.
Meanwhile, SAFA President Dr Danny Jordaan, congratulated the team and said they have represented the country well on the continent during their travels.
“Congratulations to Ntseki, to the HOD Jack Maluleke, captain Neo Maema, the technical staff and all the members of the team. Well done, we are so proud of what you have achieved.
“To beat Egypt in Egypt, and by such a comfortable score, is not something many countries can achieve,” he said.
The team returned to SA on Tuesday.
The Guardian 