Mohamed Salah is headed back to Liverpool after crashing out of the 2019 African Cup of Nations at the hands of South Africa.
Thembinkosi Lorch scored five minutes from time to hand South Africa an upset 1-0 win, and knock favourites Egypt out of the competition.
South Africa had an underwhelming group stage at the 2019 African Cup of Nations, but they turned the gas on against the host nation.
Salah was visibly dejected at the full-time whistle, but the victors paid tribute to the Liverpool star by comforting him as he prepared to jet off to England.
Egypt goalkeeper Mohamed El Shennawi made a spectacular fingertip save to deny Percy Tau’s dipping freekick after 24 minutes and was busy throughout the first half as several efforts from the underdogs whistled past his goal.
Egypt’s only chance fell to Mahmoud Trezeguet who hit the ball straight at the goalkeeper after being fed a pass by Salah, who looked out of sorts in the match.
Defeat will come as a hefty blow to Egypt who stepped in as emergency hosts in January after Cameroon were stripped of the right to host the 2019 finals. Ironically Egypt were chosen over South Africa.