Makola Seals Nelson Mandela Challenge Title For Bafana

Nelson Mandela Challenge Report: South Africa 1-0 Egypt 6 September 2016

2016 Nelson Mandela Challenge

Result: South Africa 1-0 Egypt

Date: 6 September 2016

Venue: Orlando Stadium

South Africa edged out Egypt 1-0 on Tuesday to clinch the Nelson Mandela Challenge title.

The hosts almost gifted Egypt with the opening goal in the seventh minute when Clayton Daniels gave the ball away cheaply in a dangerous position, but Itumeleng Khune bailed out his centre-back with a sharp save.

Moments later the ball found the back of the net at the other end of the pitch. Mandla Masango served up a terrific cross that Mpho Makola headed home at the far post for a 1-0 lead.

Makola was in the mood to attack the visiting defence and forced the Egypt goalkeeper into a save at his near post after he smashed a shot on target in the 13th minute.

South Africa slowly took control of the tie, enjoying much of the possession as they eased into the half-time break with a narrow lead.

Egypt came out full of positive intent after the interval and came close to levelling matters in the 49th minute when a cut-back from the right-hand byline was headed wide of the target.

A few minutes later Mohamed Salah was inches away from equalising when a square ball set him up perfectly for a shot, but he directed it wide of the far post.

Both sides struggled to carve out openings as the second half went on, which prompted Shakes Mashaba to introduce Sibusiso Vilakazi replaces Gabuza, and Ramahlwe Mphahlele comes on for Abbubaker Mobara after 60 minutes.

The Egyptians were a threat throughout the second, but were let down by some poor finishing and decision-making by Mohamed Salah.

Nonetheless, Bafana settled back into their rhythm and looked relatively comfortable as they saw out the game with their lead intact to claim the Nelson Mandela Challenge title.

Here's how they lined up:

South Africa: 16 Khune, 2 Mobara, 3 Langerman, 6 Daniels, 14 Hlatshwayo, 15 Jali, 5 Furman, 12 Makola, 7 Masango, 20 Dolly, 9 Gabuza.

Egypt: Shenawy, Gaber, Gabr, Dweidar, Abdel Shafy, Elneny, Salah, El Said, Trezeguet, Salah, Koka.