Egypt edge S. Africans to finish fifth

PETALING JAYA: Egypt will return home with their heads held high as they again defeated continental rivals South Africa 2-1 to finish fifth at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup.

South Africa, who came with eight players making their international debut, were unable to match the Egyptians who paraded a mix of youth and experienced players at the Sultan Azlan Shah Stadium in Ipoh yesterday.

Egypt, coached by former Olympian Tahir Zaman of Pakistan, won 3-0 against South Africa and drew 0-0 with South Korea in their round robin matches.

South Africa took the early lead in the 12th minute when Connor Beauchamp sounded the board off a field goal.

Egypt equalised in the 30th minute when Adel Ziad Baioumy Ibrahim converted a penalty corner and Ragab Ismail Hossameldin scored the winner through a field goal 14 minutes later.

Meanwhile, Pakistan finished the tournament in style after they defeated Japan 5-3 to finish third in the tournament.

The achievement was laudable as Pakistan, coached by Dutchman Sigfried Aikman, who was a former Japan coach, came for the tournament with 11 new players.