Video: Mosimane reinforces Hossam Hassan's complex: South Africa stun Egypt on home soil in a friendly

Egyptian possession but to no avail

Pitso Mosimane tightened his grip over Hossam Hassan once again. The South Africa head coach guided his side to a 1-0 win over the Pharaohs in a friendly at Cairo Stadium this Sunday evening, with both nations using the fixture to prepare for upcoming commitments.

Egypt controlled the game for long spells and dominated possession, while South Africa sat deep and leaned on defensive organisation and counter-attacks. Against the run of play, the visitors snatched the only goal.

Bongokuhle Dithejane struck in the 51st minute. He pounced on a quick break that started with a long ball in behind Egypt's defence, and when goalkeeper Mostafa Shobier came out poorly, Dithejane found himself with a simple finish into an empty net.

Trying to force their way back in, Egypt stepped up their attacking efforts in search of an equaliser. The introduction of substitute Hamza Abdelkarim gave them a lift, and he looked one of the team's liveliest players from the moment he arrived, troubling the South African defence.

Their best chance arrived in the 71st minute. Abdelkarim climbed to meet a cross and powered a header towards goal, but goalkeeper Ricardo produced a fine stop to deal with it and protect the lead.

Egypt went close again in the dying seconds. Ibrahim Adel struck a shot from inside the box, only for the crossbar to come to South Africa's rescue after a scramble following a corner.

For all their possession and pressure, Egypt could not find an equaliser. South Africa held on for a clean 1-0 win, a result that underlined the visitors' knack for punishing the Pharaohs' mistakes despite being second best for the ball.

Mosimane extended his unbeaten record against Hassan. The pair had met three times before, when the South African was in charge of Al Ahly and Hassan led Al Ittihad of Alexandria, and all three previous meetings ended in victory for Mosimane.

Egypt have taken 4 points from their opening two official matches in qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. A goalless draw with Angola was followed by a big 5-0 win over South Sudan.

The last competitive meeting between the two sides came in the group stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, when Egypt edged a 1-0 win.