Egypt striker Amr Zaki was on the score sheet for both sides as he put South Africa ahead through a 13th minute own goal before putting the hosts at level from the spot ten minutes later.

Porto forward Benni McCarthy scored the winner for South Africa on the stroke of half time.

Egypt’s lackluster performance raised the doubts of both fans and critics alike with the continent’s top tournament only five days away.

Egypt kick-off their African Cup campaign when they face neighbors Libya on Friday in the opening game of their Group A that also includes Ivory Coast and Morocco.

South Africa took a deserved lead in the 13th minute when Egypt keeper Abdul-Wahed Al-Sayed failed to meet a corner-kick only for the ball to rebound off Zaki into his own net.

The goal sparked a brief Egyptian comeback that resulted in the equalizer after defender Pierre Issa brought down Emad Meteb in the area.

Zaki made no mistake from the penalty spot to put Egypt at level in the 23rd minute.

Ahli midfielder nearly put Egypt in front two minutes later when he unleashed a dazzling long range drive that went inches wide.

South Africa began to operate on the break causing turbulence in Egypt’s back-line thanks to sipper Sibusiso Zuma’s pace.

Zuma’s raids paid-off when McCarthy connected with his cross to notch the winner in the final seconds of the first half.

Egypt coach Hassan Shehata made an astonishing six substitutions during the second-half but with no luck as the Pharaohs wasted a host of chances after the break.