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South Africa stun hosts Egypt to reach AFCON quarter-finals

South Africa stun hosts Egypt to reach AFCON quarter-finals

South Africa stunned hosts Egypt 1-0 to reach the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations.

Seven-time winners Egypt produced a lacklustre display and were punished by Thembinkosi Lorch's 85th-minute strike.

South Africa, the 1996 winners, are through to just their second quarter-final since 2002 and will face Nigeria on Wednesday.

Egypt struggled to create chances, with their best two openings of the game both being squandered by Trezeguet, while Liverpool's Mohamed Salah was largely kept quiet.

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South Africa were the more dangerous team in the first half and Percy Tau was denied a 22nd-minute opener when his free-kick was tipped over the crossbar by Mohamed El-Shenawy.

The Bafana Bafana also went close with 20 minutes to go when centre-back Thulani Hlatshwayo headed wide but they were not to be denied.

South Africa broke quickly and Lebo Mothiba drew the last defender before squaring for Lorch to confidently sweep beyond El-Shenawy.

Egypt could not muster a response as they failed to reach at least the semi-finals at a home tournament for the first time.

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Liverpool's Mohamed Salah was largely kept quiet

PA

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