South Africa beat Egypt as Mali draw with Morocco

South Africa claimed the stronger result of the two African friendly internationals, winning in Egypt, while Mali kept Morocco from securing victory in Tangier. The outcomes put South Africa on the winning side against one of the continent’s established teams and gave Mali a draw away from home against the Atlas Lions.

At Cairo, Puso Dithejane settled the contest shortly after half-time. His 51st-minute goal was the only score of the match, giving South Africa a 1-0 victory over Egypt. The Bafana Bafana therefore ended the meeting with a clean-sheet win on Egyptian soil.

Morocco had taken the lead against Mali in Tangier through Abdessamad Ezzalzouli. The forward converted a penalty in the 32nd minute, leaving the hosts ahead for much of the match. Mali responded in the final quarter, with Gaoussou Diarra equalising in the 77th minute to secure a 1-1 draw.

The results produced contrasting returns for the four teams: South Africa recorded the only win, Egypt suffered defeat, and Morocco and Mali shared the points. Mali’s late response prevented Morocco from turning its early advantage into a home victory.