South Africa drew their round-robin encounter with co-favourites  Egypt 2-2 in the most intense of matches at the Africa Cup Olympic Games Qualifier tournament on the Khumalo Hockey Stadium pitch in Bulawayo on Wednesday.

South Africa began in controlled fashion, holding on to possession and spreading the ball wide.

   Lloyd Norris-Jones made the initial turnover deep in Egypt’s half and Miguel da Graca also had a hand before skipper Wade Paton set up Norris-Jones for the perfect deflection goal.

   After going a goal down in the first eight minutes, Egypt kept their composure and continued to build patiently.

   A Houssam Ghabran pass to Amr Sayed forced the Egyptians’ first penalty corner, but goalkeeper Brendon Botes was up for the shot at  goal and South Africa kept their 1-0 lead.

   With 15 minutes to half-time, Ezze Ahmed dribbled passed a number of defenders and delivered an effort that on another day might have earned him a goal, but once again Botes was up to the challenge.

   Egypt kept up the pressure and Ahmed Gamal’s speculative lob shot was too close for comfort.

   Ghabran was a constant thorn in SA’s side and keeper Botes timed  his run perfectly to block the striker’s effort with his pads.

   SA managed to get in a few close calls of their own, but the balance of play was Egypt’s as the teams went into half-time to a standing ovation from the crowd for the intensely absorbing quality  of hockey.

   However, after the break the Egyptians ignited the game through Mohamed Edris’ penalty corner and Ahmed Hakim’s field goal.    

Trailing 2-1, South African captain Paton was unfortunate to see  his top-class shot flash over the crossbar, but Ezze was also close  at the other end.

   The teams drew level 2-2 after a Justin Reid-Ross penalty corner  flick bulged the net.

   In the last five minutes, Gareth Carr was just wide before Botes  came to the rescue to save superbly.

   Perhaps it was fitting the final score ended 2-2, leaving Sunday’s 5.30 pm final between these two sides a tantalising prospect.