Seven-time champions Egypt face a stern test against a resurgent South Africa in a highly anticipated Group B fixture at the Grand Stade d’Agadir on Friday, with both sides level on points after opening victories.
The Pharaohs edged Zimbabwe 2-1 in their opener, with captain Mohamed Salah scoring a dramatic stoppage-time winner after Omar Marmoush’s equaliser. South Africa, meanwhile, secured a 2-1 win over Angola, courtesy of Lyle Foster’s goal and assist, marking their first opening victory in the tournament since 2004.
Egypt coach Hossam Hassan, who featured in the 1998 AFCON final win over South Africa, expressed respect for their opponents. “South Africa is a very strong team which we respect and they are among the teams who have shown high performance and are favourites for the competition,” he said.
Midfielder Mahmoud ‘Trezeguet’ Hassan echoed this sentiment: “This is a really important game in our group and we hope that we can make a positive result. We respect South Africa a lot and how they play.”
Bafana Bafana boss Hugo Broos, who guided Cameroon to the 2017 title against Egypt, remains optimistic. “We are excited to play Egypt and we know what kind of a team they are. They are seven-time champions… But we are approaching the game with confidence knowing we are a good team as well,” Broos noted.
Striker Lyle Foster highlighted team morale: “The morale within the team is really high because we come into this game with victory from our first match. This will be a very important game because we are both on three points and a win will be one foot into the next round.”
History adds intrigue to the rivalry. South Africa stunned hosts Egypt 1-0 in the 2019 Round of 16 via Thembinkosi Lorch’s goal. Overall, Bafana remain unbeaten in their last six encounters with Egypt (four wins, two draws), with the Pharaohs’ most recent victory a 2006 friendly. At AFCON specifically, Egypt hold a 2-1 edge from meetings in 1996, 1998, and 2019.
Injury concerns cloud Egypt’s preparations, with left-back Mohamed Hamdy and striker Mostafa Mohamed doubtful. South Africa report a largely fit squad.
A victory would virtually assure progression to the knockout stage for the winner, while intensifying pressure in a competitive Group B also featuring Angola and Zimbabwe.
This Boxing Day showdown renews one of Africa’s classic rivalries, promising tactical intrigue and individual brilliance as both nations pursue continental glory in Morocco.
