Puso Dithejane proved to be the match-winner, finding the back of the net five minutes after half-time to settle a tightly contested international friendly.

The victory caps an impressive few days for South Africa, who have now won three matches in succession after previously getting the better of Guinea and Eritrea in their Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

There was also a special moment before kick-off when South African President Cyril Ramaphosa paid a visit to the Bafana Bafana dressing room. His presence provided an added boost as the players prepared for another stern examination against one of Africa’s football heavyweights.

Bafana Bafana team that played against Egypt - SAFA

For Mosimane, the victory was particularly pleasing given the circumstances. Injuries forced him into nine changes from the side that dismantled Eritrea 5-0 in their previous AFCON qualifier.

The wholesale changes were evident in the opening exchanges, with Bafana struggling to find their rhythm before gradually settling into the contest.

“Yeah, it was a little difficult. You saw in the first five minutes that we could not find our feet,” Mosimane said.

“That’s normal because we brought in the younger ones. We changed the whole team. It takes a little time to gel and to come in, but as the game progressed, we gained confidence.”

The Bafana coach was especially encouraged by the fearless approach of his younger players, who were thrown into the deep end against a strong Egyptian outfit.

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“What I like is that they’re not afraid to play and we need to give them a chance. I let them swim with the sharks, threw them in the deep end. Yeah, they swam, hey?” Mosimane added.

He singled out Shandre Campbell, Dithejane and Lebone Seema for praise, while also highlighting the contributions of Khulumani Ndamane and Thabang Matuludi.

Fawaaz Basadien’s return to the national team also pleased the coach. Bafana were stretched in midfield as the injuries mounted, with Mosimane eventually having to deploy Olwethu Makhanya in the middle of the park.

“But it’s part of football. You’ve got to do what you have to do.”

Bafana Bafana return to South Africa on Monday. Their next assignment comes on 13 November against Benni McCarthy’s Kenya, with the first of the two qualifiers set to be played in South Africa at a venue still to be confirmed. The return leg will be played four days later in Nairobi.

Mogran Piek OFM Sport