Essam El-Hadary: 9

The Egyptian keeper made several heroic saves throughout the game, twice denying South Africa on one-on-one situations as well as blocking several close-range efforts.

Wael Gomaa: 6

The experienced defender was outran by South Africa’s speedy and skilful strikers several times, especially Katlego Mphela who came close to scoring on a couple of occasions.

Hossam Ghaly: 6

The Egyptian sweeper wasn’t tested that much but he committed a notable mistake that allowed Bernard Parker to go clear on goal in the first half. His contribution in attack after the break was very limited.

Mahmoud Fathallah: 6.5

The central defender made a crucial interception to prevent Mphela from scoring in the second half. But, like his backline partners, he didn’t provide enough protection for his keeper.

Ahmed Elmohamady: 6

The right wing-back was far from his best as he neither made his darting runs down the flank nor whipped in his pinpoint crosses. He wasted two easy chances to score.

Ahmed Fathi: 6.5

The tireless midfielder exerted lots of efforts in midfield but did not contribute much to Egypt’s build-up play. However, he fired two powerful shots, one was denied by the keeper and the other went just wide of the post. He played as a central defender after the substitution of Fathallah in the last 15 minutes.

Hosni Abd-Rabo: 6

The 2008 Nations Cup best player looked a shadow of himself. He lost his pace, vision and stamina. Over 90 minutes, the Ismaily midfielder could not even make use of his shooting abilities.

Sayed Moawad: 6.5

Moawad made several runs down the left flank and sent in a lot of fine crosses in the area but none of the strikers benefited from them.

Mahmoud Abdel-Razek “Shikabala”: 6

The Egyptian League top scorer was energetic, trying to build the Pharaohs attacks but he seemed isolated and inefficient in front of goal. A free-kick specialist, he awfully executed the only attempt he had on goal and was substituted on the hour mark.

Mohamed Zidan: 5.5

The gifted striker was Egypt’s biggest flop as he couldn’t showcase any of his dazzling tricks. He had a solitary chance to score but blasted his 20-yard shot wide. He was replaced by Gedo early in the second half.

Ahmed Abdel-Zaher: 5.5

Playing his first international game this year, the ENPPI striker – who returned from a lengthy injury layoff - physically made his presence felt but was still under close marking from South Africa defenders Morgan Gould and Siyabonga Sangweni and couldn’t mount any threats on goal.

Substitutes:

Mohamed Nagy “Gedo”: 6

A second-half substitute, the 2010 African Cup of Nations top scorer revitalized Egypt’s attack and made several jinking runs into the area but did not manage to find the net.

Ahmed Ali: 5.5

He was introduced to further inject zeal upfront and his combative display was evident but he still struggled to carve out spaces in South Africa’s defense.

Amr El-Sulaya: not tested