CAIRO, Egypt, July 7 (NNN-MENA) – South Africa stunned hosts Egypt 1-0, to reach the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) quarterfinals.
Five minutes to the end, Lebo Mosiba caught Egypt defence napping and found Thembinkosi Lorch, who went one on one to score the winner.
South Africa will next face Nigeria, on Wednesday.
Hosts and record champions Egypt, only have themselves to blame, after squandering the chance of a record extending eighth title at home, despite the huge support of more than 70,000 fans at the Cairo International Stadium.
South Africa were the first to threaten Egypt’s goalkeeper, Mohamed Elshenawy, through Thembinkosi Lorch, two minutes after the start whistle, but Elshenawy was up to the challenge.
Egypt responded with Mohamed Salah making use of Ahmed Elmohamady’s cross, but the Liverpool striker’s shot was deflected to a corner.
Against the run of play, Salah led a counter attack and fed Mahmoud Trezeguet, whose shot caused no problem to South Africa’s goalkeeper, Ronwen Williams.
Kamohelo Mokutjo sent a scorcher after 36 minutes, but it missed the target narrowly. And three minutes later, Elshenawy came to Egypt’s rescue again, when he used his feet to stop Lorch from close distance, to see the opening half ending goalless.
As the second half started, Egypt’s Mohamed Elneny tried from a distance, but missed the target.
Both sides tried to control possession, but without real threat on target till the 58th minute, when Salah’s through pass reached Trezeguet, whose shot was stopped by Williams.
Lorch once again could have given South Africa the lead after 72 minutes, but Elshenawy once again was there to save the hosts.
Unfortunately, Egypt fell down in the last five minutes.– NNN-MENA
