ROHR “SURPRISED” BY BAFANA PROGRESS

Gernot Rohr says he was surprised by South Africa’s progress at the expense of favorites and hosts Egypt, but believes that Bafana Banana have earned their passage.

The South Africans, unimpressive in group play and squeaking through to the round of 16 on the strength of one goal, stunned the hosts with resolute play and a back-breaking late goal from Lorch to eject the seven-time champions from the tournament.

They will now meet Nigeria in the semifinal, in a twist that Super Eagles coach Rohr said he did not see coming

“I am a little bit surprised, yes,” he told colinudoh.com soon after the result. “But they played so well against Egypt and they deserve it.

"They beat us in Uyo so we know it will not be easy against this good South African team. But also, we played a good draw in Johannesburg and we deserve to win because of the two goals off Musa but was cancelled even though it was not offside."

The two sides will meet for the third time under Gernot Rohr’s stewardship of the Eagles. The first ended in a 0-2 home loss for the German, who compounded the woes of his injury-depleted side by lining out youngsters.

But in the return fixture in Johannesburg, the South Africans were lucky to escape defeat when Nigeria had two goals disallowed. Replays showed that both were legitimate scores.

This third meeting is scheduled for July 10 at the Cairo International Stadium.