I thought it wasn’t a goal – Lorch
Bafana Bafana attacker Thembinkosi Lorch said the silence that fell upon the Cairo International Stadium when he netted South Africa's winner against Egypt on Saturday night, made him think he hadn't actually scored.
Thembinkosi Lorch of South Africa takes a shot during the African Cup of Nations, Last 16 match between Egypt and South Africa at Cairo International Stadium on July 06, 2019 in Cairo, Egypt. (Photo by Ahmed Hasan/Gallo Images)
“I was shocked, I thought it wasn’t a goal, normally when you score people are celebrating!” said Lorch after the match.
Watch the moment again:
THE SOUTH AFRICAN FOOTBALLER OF THE YEAR SCORES FOR #BAFANABAFANA
A brilliant counter-attack from South Africa sees Lebo Mothiba feed Thembinkosi Lorch the ball and he finishes with perfection to stun the 70 000+ at the Cairo International Stadium.#AFCON2019 pic.twitter.com/U9qulNTRfY
— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) July 6, 2019
That shock soon turned to elation, however, as Lorch did indeed finish off a glorious counter-attack, the Orlando Pirates forward clipping a delightful finish over Mohammed El-Shenawi, to stun 70 000 or so home fans and take Bafana into the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinals.
South Africa will now play Nigeria at the Cairo International Stadium on Wednesday, and Lorch dedicated the victory to all who backed him. This was Lorch’s first start at this year’s Afcon, and he more than rewarded the faith shown in him by Bafana coach Stuart Baxter.
“It means a lot to me … that one was for the supporters, even for my family at home, even for my late brother, who passed away,” added Lorch.
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