South Africa beats Egypt 2-1 in friendly
Posted: Wednesday December 16, 1998 08:37 PM
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa (AP) -- Benny McCarthy scored both
goals as South Africa beat Egypt 2-1 in a friendly exhibition
Wednesday, somewhat salving the loss in the African Cup final in
February.
South Africa played with poise and composure despite an early
push by the reigning African champs, gradually gaining control of
the match.
Egypt took the lead when Ahmed Hasan volleyed a pass from Hesham
Hanafy past South African goalkeeper Hans Vonk in the 35th minute.
The Bafana Bafana took only five minutes to equalize when
McCarthy left-footing a ball from inside the penalty area past
goalkeeper Nader El Sayed.
South Africa sealed the Pharoahs chances when McCarthy headed in
midfielder Quinton Fortune's free kick in the 74th minute.
It was an explosive tussle between Africa's two soccer
heavyweights, with the game flowing from end to end. The match also
marked the official debut of Trott Moloto as coach of South Africa
since taking over on December 3.
Moloto had served as interim since Frenchman Philipp
Troussier's contract ended following the World Cup.
Bafana Bafana - or "The Boys" as the team is known in the Zulu
language - won the 1996 African Cup of Nations and appeared on
course to defend its title before losing the 1998 title game to
Egypt 2-0 in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
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