Egypt 0-1 South Africa
It was a day of major upsets at the Africa Cup of Nations as both finalists from 2017 were knocked out. After defending champions Cameroon went down to Nigeria, hosts and tournament favourites Egypt followed them out the door as they were stunned 1-0 by South Africa.
A late goal from Thembinkosi Lorch was enough to see South Africa through to the quarter-finals for the second time in four tournaments.
It was a disappointing end for the Pharaohs, whom the Africa Cup of Nations 2019 betting odds had as favourites to go all the way this year. But despite going undefeated during the group stage, they didn’t exactly impress with their performances and were once again found wanting against Bafana Bafana.
Highlights of the game
Egypt didn’t take very long to test South Africa keeper Ronwen Williams. Marwan Mohsen tried his luck with a hopeful shot from outside the penalty area after just two minutes, but Williams comfortably saved the long-range attempt.
Seconds later, South Africa came back with a speculative effort of their own care of Percy Tau, who cut inside and sailed his shot over the Egypt goal. But Tau’s next chance on 15 minutes was much better as he’s powerful strike stung the palms of Egypt keeper Mohamed El-Shenawy.
El-Shenawy was called into action once again as Tau came much closer with a free-kick. The South African forward’s shot looked bound for the top corner, but El-Shenawy came to Egypt’s rescue with a brilliant diving save.
Moments later, Egypt almost caught South Africa out on the break. After bringing the ball all the way to the edge of the box, Mohamed Salah opted not to shoot and instead passed off to Trezeguet on the right wing. However, the young forward’s shot was disappointingly tame.
South Africa continued to knock on the door of Egypt’s goal with a couple of long-range efforts. Kamohelo Mokotjo came fairly close with his shot, which saw El-Shenawy into an outstretched dive.
Salah finally got a shot on target from a free-kick just before half-time, but it swerved harmlessly wide of the goal.
Egypt began the second half with some urgency as both Mohamed Elneny and Ahmed Ali both tried their luck with shots from distance in the opening minutes.
The Pharaohs finally got a chance from inside the box on 57 minutes. Salah provided a sumptuous through ball for Trezeguet, whose finishing once again left him down.
South Africa had their own opportunity which went begging as Thembinkosi Lorch was unable to beat El-Shenawy on his near post.
However, Lorch would make no mistake as he scored South Africa’s dramatic winner five minutes from time. Bafana Bafana caught Egypt out with a brilliantly executed a counterattack which left Lorch one on one with the keeper, and the 25-year-old kept his cool to slot past the onrushing El-Shenawy.
It was a goal worthy of winning any match, and it was one which blew the tournament wide open.
Key statistics
Egypt may have controlled 63 per cent of possession, but their defence was unable to stop South Africa, who got off 14 shots, six of which were on target. Lorch was responsible for five of those shots and had three on target — including the all-important goal.
That was the continuation of a worrying trend for Egypt, who struggled to stop weaker opponents from getting shots off during the group stage. They allowed a whopping 19 shots in their second match against DR Congo and gave up 17 more in their laboured win against Uganda.
Meanwhile, the non-Salah Egyptians struggled to create many Africa Cup of Nations 2019 highlights as they had just 16 total shots in those two games. In hindsight, that was a recipe for disaster.
What’s next?
For South Africa, it’s off to the quarter-finals, where they will face Nigeria, who knocked out defending champions Cameroon earlier in the day. SBOBET odds will likely have Bafana Bafana as underdogs once again, but as they showed against Egypt, they shouldn’t be underestimated.
As for Egypt, they are going home — even though they are technically home already since they’re the hosts. After coming so close in 2017, crashing out in the round of 16 is obviously a major disappointment. Salah and co. will have to wait a couple more years to get their next shot at reclaiming the African crown.
●●●
CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS
Stay updated with everything sports and betting.
Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
