CENTURION, South Africa: South Africa won the series-opening test against Pakistan on Friday as Hashim Amla returned to form with an unbeaten half-century to anchor a shaky chase and see the home team prevail by six wickets.
Amla’s 63 not out guided the Proteas to victory as they finished on 151-4 before tea on Day 3 at SuperSport Park, passing the target of 149 but not without a series of scares at both the beginning and end of their second innings.
South Africa lost opener Aiden Markram in the first over and Amla was dropped in the slips when he was on 8.
An over after the Amla chance was missed by Pakistan, Dean Elgar survived a contentious umpiring decision that ruled out a catch that appeared to be good. Elgar was on 4 at the time. He went on to make 50 and share a 119-run partnership for the second wicket with Amla.
Elgar went a ball after reaching his 50, caught behind off medium-pacer Shan Masood.
In a shaky finish, Theunis de Bruyn (10) was stumped off Yasir Shah and captain Faf du Plessis was caught in the deep trying to hook an over after de Bruyn departed. South Africa needed just 12 runs to win at that point and it meant a pair of ducks for the South Africa skipper in the test.
Temba Bavuma was 13 not out to take South Africa over the line with Amla.
South Africa’s nervous run-chase — the Elgar-Amla century partnership apart — came at the end of a seesaw match that ended well inside three days and which was dominated by pace bowlers on a green-tinged pitch. Both batting orders struggled.
Pakistan was out for 181 in its first innings, and South Africa replied with 223 all out. Pakistan was bowled out for 190 in its second innings to leave the modest target.
The game turned in the final session of Day 2 when Pakistan returned from tea 100-1 but went on to lose nine wickets for 89 runs.
Amla takes South Africa to victory in first test against Pakistan
Amla takes South Africa to victory in first test against Pakistan
- His 63 not out guided the hosts to victory
- Amla was dropped in the slips when he was on 8
Hakimi, Salah and Osimhen head star-packed AFCON last-16 cast
- A star-studded cast led by Achraf Hakimi, Mohamed Salah and Victor Osimhen switch to knockout fare from Saturday, when the Africa Cup of Nations resumes in Morocco
RABAT: A star-studded cast led by Achraf Hakimi, Mohamed Salah and Victor Osimhen switch to knockout fare from Saturday, when the Africa Cup of Nations resumes in Morocco.
Paris Saint-Germain defender Hakimi was crowned 2025 African player of the year in November. Liverpool attacker Salah and Galatasaray striker Osimhen were the runners-up.
After 36 matches spread across six groups, the 16 survivors from 24 hopefuls clash in eight second-round matches over four days.
Fit-again Hakimi is set to lead title favorites Morocco against Tanzania, Salah will captain Egypt against Benin and Osimhen-inspired Nigeria tackle Mozambique.
AFP Sport looks at the match-ups that will determine which nations advance to the quarter-finals, and move one step closer to a record $10 million (8.5 million euros) first prize.
Senegal v Sudan
Veteran Sadio Mane and Paris Saint-Germain 17-year-old Ibrahim Mbaye, in two appearances off the bench, have been among the stars as 2022 champions Senegal confirmed why they are among the favorites by winning Group D. Sudan, representing a country ravaged by civil war since 2023, reached the second round despite failing to score. Their only Group F win, against Equatorial Guinea, came via an own goal.
Mali v Tunisia
“If we carry on playing like this we will not go much further,” warned Belgium-born Mali coach Tom Saintfiet after three Group A draws. Tunisia did well to hold Morocco, but were woeful against Nigeria until they trailed by three goals. The Carthage Eagles then scored twice and came close to equalising.
Morocco v Tanzania
A mismatch on paper as Morocco, whose only previous title came 50 years ago, are 101 places above Tanzania in the world rankings. The east Africans ended a 45-year wait to get past the first round thanks to two draws. Morocco boast a potent strike force of Brahim Diaz from Real Madrid and Ayoub El Kaabi of Olympiacos. They have scored three goals each to share the Golden Boot lead with Algerian Riyad Mahrez.
South Africa v Cameroon
South Africa debuted in the AFCON 30 years ago by hammering Cameroon 3-0 in Johannesburg. It should be much closer when they meet a second time with only four places separating them in the world rankings. In pursuit of goals, South Africa will look to Oswin Appollis and Lyle Foster while 19-year-old Christian Kofane struck a stunning match-winner for Cameroon against Mozambique.
Egypt v Benin
Struggling to score for Liverpool this season, Salah has regained his appetite for goals in southern Morocco. He claimed match winners against Zimbabwe and South Africa to win Group B. Benin celebrated their first AFCON win 25 years after debuting by edging Botswana. The Cheetahs are a compact, spirited outfit led by veteran striker Steve Mounie, but lack punch up front.
Nigeria v Mozambique
Livewire Osimhen is a huge aerial threat and could have scored hat-tricks against Tanzania and Tunisia in Group C, but managed just one goal. Fellow former African player of the year Ademola Lookman has also impressed. Mozambique lost 3-0 in their previous AFCON meeting with the Super Eagles 16 years ago. It is likely to be tighter this time with striker Geny Catamo posing a threat for the Mambas (snakes).
Algeria v DR Congo
The clash of two former champions is potentially the match of the round. It is the only tie involving two European coaches — Bosnian Vladimir Petkovic and Frenchman Sebastien Desabre. Algeria and Nigeria were the only teams to win all three group matches. Former Manchester City winger Mahrez has been an inspirational captain while scoring three times.
Ivory Coast v Burkina Faso
This is the only match featuring nations from the same region. Burkina Faso and defending champions Ivory Coast share a border in west Africa. Manchester United winger Amad Diallo was the only winner of two player-of-the-match awards in the group stage. The Ivorian now face impressive Burkinabe defenders Edmond Tapsoba and Issoufou Dayo.
