While their convincing 3-1 win away from home may have come as a surprise for most, Bafana Bafana coach Molefi Ntseki said the result was expected for his side in the African Nations Championship (Chan) qualifier at the Suez Canal Stadium on Sunday.
Bafana advance to the final qualifying stage for Chan 4-2 on aggregate after the sides drew 1-1 in Bloemfontein a week prior.
Neo Maema, Yandisa Mfolozi and Siphelele Luthuli provided the goals for South Africa while Mohamed Abouelenein bagged the only strike for the hosts.
Ntseki intimated that he knew the type of game plan Egypt would adopt after the match.
Ntseki credits strategic training and early goal for Egypt victory
“I think we won the game from our training sessions because the plan we had really worked out,” said Ntseki.
“The players managed to implement it, and they showed a high level of technical endurance.”
Ntseki went on to say it was the ability to execute the technical plan for the longest time in the game, and he thought they had done that. He also mentioned that what really worked in their favour was scoring early, which unsettled Egypt on 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 the support we needed.”
Meanwhile, SA Football Association president Danny Jordaan said: “Congratulations to coach Molefi 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.”
@Michael_Sherman
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