Bafana draw with Egypt in African Nations Championship qualifier

Bafana draw with Egypt in African Nations Championship qualifier

Bafana Bafana recorded a 1-1 draw against Egypt in the first leg of their African Nations Championship first round qualifier at the Free State Stadium on Sunday.

Jamie Webber bagged a 79th minute equaliser for South Africa after a 68th minute opener from Mohamed Hassan.

Former Bafana and Kaizer Chiefs coach Molefi Ntseki took charge of the side for this tie and saw his mixed bag of fringe club players struggle to find any form of rhythm in the first half.

Monnapule Saleng came close from an early corner with a shot that he basted over the poles, ahead of a curled Neo Maema shot that was plucked out of the air by Pharaohs goalkeeper Mahmoud Abou El Saoud.

Saleng was Bafana's liveliest player after the break as well and beat Mohamed Gaber to create space for a 58th minute chance, but El Saoud made a good low save.

Ntseki's side inability to find a goal came back to haunt them as Hassan volleyed home a superb shot past goalkeeper Samukelo Xulu.

But Webber popped up with a similarly powerful effort minutes later to beat El Saoud and give his side a chance ahead of the second leg on Sunday.

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