CAIRO, July 7, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – Coach Stuart Baxter hailed South Africa’s
shock 1-0 defeat of Africa Cup of Nations hosts and title favourites Egypt in
the last 16 on Saturday as a “masterclass”.
Thembinkosi Lorch popped up with the winning goal five minutes from time
to silence the partisan 75,000-capacity crowd in Cairo and shatter Egyptian
hopes of a record eighth continental crown.
“We had three days to put together a game plan … I think the players did
really, really well, they had to play in a brave way and play high against
such a good team as Egypt,” said England-born Baxter.
“For me that was the only way we could win the game because if you allowed
them to build possession and get the ball to their best players we would have
massive problems.”
Baxter faced criticism over the team’s negative tactics during the group
stage as they squeezed through in the final qualifying spot.
But his strategy here paid off handsomely against Egypt as Liverpool star
Mohamed Salah was well policed by a superbly organised South African defence.
“The players showed a masterclass, it was excellent,” said Baxter. “It
took courage from the players. We’re very proud of them and very pleased with
the result.”
South Africa will face arch-rivals Nigeria, who eliminated defending
champions Cameroon in Alexandria earlier Saturday, in the quarter-finals.