THE NATIONS FOOTBALL CUP BEGINS!

Egypt 1-2 South Africa
By Vera Kwakofi BBC Sport, Cairo.

Pierre Issa was a surprise goal scorer for South Africa.South Africa spoiled the Egyptian party when they beat the hosts of the African Nations Cup 2-1 at the Cairo International Stadium on Saturday. The friendly match comes six days before the curtain lifts on the Nations Cup and was the final preparation for both teams.
Bafana Bafana's first goal came in the 12th minute when veteran defender Pierre Issa bundled in a back-heeled shot, after the Egyptian keeper Abdul Wahed El Sayed came out to punch the ball and missed.
The stadium came to life when the Egyptians drew level in the 23rd minute after Amr Zaki converted a penalty, awarded when Emad Moteab was hauled back inside the area. But the South Africans regained the lead when Porto's Benni McCarthy converted a superb cross from captain Sibusiso Zuma, to make it 2-1 with just seconds remaining of the first half.

BBC NEWS REPORT