A makeshift Bafana Bafana team managed a 1-1 draw against Egypt in the first leg of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifier at Free State Stadium on Sunday.

Jamie Webber salvaged a draw for the Bafana Bafana side with a stunning long-range strike in the 80th minute, catching Egyptian goalkeeper Mohamed Kassem off guard.

Egypt had opened the scoring in the 66th minute through a cracking strike by Mohamed Abdelaal from range to catch off Samukele Xulu, cannoning off the crossbar.

Webber, who has not featured in a single match for Sekhukhune United this season, is set to depart for the United States in the coming weeks, having signed with USL Championship side FC Tulsa.

This team was hastily assembled by interim coach Molefi Ntseki, who stepped in at the last minute after Bafana assistant coach Helman Mkhalele was withdrawn to focus on the senior Bafana Bafana squad’s two 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers this month.

Ntseki’s squad included players such as free agent Siyethemba Sithebe and Monnapule Saleng, who has been sidelined at Orlando Pirates.

Sources have indicated to Sportswire that Saleng will not play for the club for the remainder of the season. Other players in the squad were Kwanda Mngonyana from AmaZulu, Mamelodi Sundowns’ Neo Maema (who captained the side) and team-mate Terrence Mashego, SuperSport United’s Donay Jasen, free agent Siphelele Luthuli, Chippa United’s Aphelele Teto, Kaizer Chiefs’ Bongani Sam, and Polokwane City’s Sammy Seabi.

The team’s lack of cohesion and rhythm was evident, a reflection of the diverse circumstances of the players, with some playing for top clubs and others currently without clubs.

“You can see some of the players are a bit rusty,” admitted coach Ntseki after the game on SABC Sport. “But they will improve as we progress to the second leg.”

The team will return to Johannesburg on Monday and remain in camp until their departure for Egypt on 6 March.