7 March 2025 – South Africa have arrived in Ismailia, Egypt, ahead of Sunday’s African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifier against the North Africans, and captain Neo Maema expects a tough match.
The two teams played to a 1-1 draw in the first leg in Bloemfontein five days ago and Maema said they are bracing for another difficult test against the Egyptians, especially in their own backyard.
“We know that playing in Egypt is always very tough. I mean, we have a somewhat good record against them, but playing away from home and playing in their own backyard is going to be very difficult,” he said from Ismailia.
“But the guys look expectant, looking forward to it and making sure that we put the country and the team into the next round, especially the group stages of the competition. And, yeah, it was a very long trip, but by the grace of God, we made it safely and we’re looking forward to the match.
“I’m also glad that the guys are actually very much expectant of the match. They are ready. They are hungrier because of the new players and the younger players that are here in Egypt for the very first time, they’re looking forward to it.
“They look very, very, very lively. And, yeah, we’re expecting a difficult match, but a match that we certainly can overcome as a team.”
Coach Molefi Ntseki made several changes to his CHAN Bafana Bafana side a few days ago before the team departed for Egypt.
Nduduzo Mhlongo from Golden Arrows, Naledi Hlongwane from Kaizer Chiefs, and Monnapule Saleng and Azola Tshobeni from Orlando Pirates were all released on Monday. The new arrivals were Victor Letsoalo from TS Galaxy, and Mondli Mpoto and Levy Mashiane from Royal AM.
