Coach Pitso Mosimane guided Bafana Bafana to a 1-0 victory over Egypt in an international friendly at Cairo International Stadium on Sunday night.
The result marked Mosimane’s third successive victory since returning to the national team helm, 14 years after his initial tenure between 2010 and 2012.
FARPost looks at five key talking points from the encounter in Cairo.
1. BAFANA BAFANA STARTING LINE-UP CHANGES
Mosimane opted for wholesale changes ahead of the Egypt clash, making nine adjustments to his starting line-up compared to previous selections for the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.
The reshuffle gave opportunities to Cassius Mailula, Sipho Chaine, Thabang Matuludi and Lebone Seema, who received their first starts for Bafana under Mosimane’s guidance.
2. DEBUTS FOR PUSO DITHEJANE AND TASHREEQ MATTHEWS
The friendly fixture provided a platform for fresh blood in the national team setup. Puso Dithejane and Tashreeq Matthews were both handed their senior international debuts in Bafana colours. Interestingly, Dithejane scored his first goal for the national team in the 51st minute of his debut.
In another notable selection decision, rising star Shandre Campbell started on the bench for the first time since Mosimane took charge. He came on as a second-half substitute.
3. EGYPT MISSING THREE KEY STARS
The host nation came into the fixture missing three key players. France-born Celtic FC winger Haitham Hassan was ruled out due to fitness concerns.
OGC Nice defender Mohamed Abdelmonem was recalled by his club ahead of Egypt’s 2027 AFCON qualifier against South Sudan due to concerns about playing on artificial turf.
For the exact same reason, superstar Mohamed Salah departed the Pharaohs’ camp ahead of the South Sudan fixture. Despite assurances from head coach Hossam Hassan that the Trabzonspor attacker would rejoin the squad for the Bafana test, Salah did not return.
4. BAFANA MAINTAIN UPPER HAND IN HEAD-TO-HEAD RECORD
Sunday’s game represented the 16th international meeting between South Africa and Egypt across all competitions.
Historical stats favoured the South Africans in this continental rivalry. Bafana hold the edge with nine victories to Egypt’s five, while two meetings have ended in draws.
5. PRESIDENT CYRIL RAMAPHOSA PAYS PRE-MATCH VISIT
Mosimane’s troops received high-profile presidential support ahead of kickoff at the Cairo International Stadium.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa visited the squad in their dressing room before the match. SAFA president Danny Jordaan and coach Mosimane welcomed President Ramaphosa and officially introduced him to the players and technical staff.
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