Bafana Bafana stunned the football world on Saturday by knocking out hosts and favourites, Egypt in the African Cup of Nations.
Given no chance and suffering under the yoke of coach Stuart Baxter’s defensive approach in the group stages, the South Africans rediscovered their purpose and attacking verve at the Cairo International Stadium.
Up against two-time African Player of the Year, Mo Salah, Bafana cut off the Pharaohs’ chief magician to silence the home crowd and also send their coach packing - Javier Aguirre was sacked after the defeat.
It was forgotten man Thembinkosi Lorch, who rose from Baxter’s denial to play him in the group stages, who scored the goal to guide South Africa into Wednesday’s quarterfinal with Nigeria.
And Baxter admits to giving his team some new commandments, saying: “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.
“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.
“The players showed a masterclass, it was excellent.
“It took courage from the players. We’re very proud of them and very pleased with the result.”
Goal-hero, Lorch stunned the tongues of the fans with his 85th-minute goal, plunging the stadium into silence with his winner.
The former Cape Town All Stars ace said: “I was shocked, I thought it wasn’t a goal,
normally when you score people are celebrating!”.