Fresh from opening-day victories at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Egypt and South Africa go head-to-head on Friday afternoon when they meet at the Grande Stade d’Agadir in a Group B encounter that could prove decisive in the race for knockout qualification.
Both sides claimed 2–1 wins in their first matches of the tournament, with Egypt coming from behind to defeat Zimbabwe, while South Africa edged past Angola, leaving the two former African champions level on three points heading into the second round of fixtures.
Match preview
Egypt began their AFCON campaign with a hard-fought victory over Zimbabwe, but the performance highlighted areas that head coach Hossam Hassan will be keen to address. The seven-time African champions were widely expected to ease past their opponents, yet found themselves trailing and struggling to impose themselves for long spells.
Omar Marmoush eventually drew the Pharaohs level, shifting the momentum of the contest, before Mohamed Salah struck late on to secure all three points and give Egypt a winning start to their Group B campaign.
Photo Credit: Imago
That result ended Egypt’s six-match winless run in open play at the Africa Cup of Nations and extended their strong record in group-stage matches, where they have lost just once in their last 23 games at the tournament.
Despite the victory, defensive issues remain a concern for the North African side. Egypt have now conceded in each of their last five AFCON matches, with their most recent clean sheet coming in the 2021 final against Senegal.
Egypt will also be wary of their recent struggles against Friday’s opponents. The Pharaohs have not beaten South Africa since November 2006 and were eliminated by Bafana Bafana the last time the two nations met at AFCON finals, suffering a 1–0 defeat as tournament hosts in Cairo in 2019.
South Africa, meanwhile, opened their tournament with a confidence-boosting win over Angola, recording their first opening-game victory at the finals since 2004. Oswin Appollis gave Bafana Bafana the lead before they were pegged back, setting up a tense second half.
Patience eventually paid off for Hugo Broos’s side, as Lyle Foster scored the decisive goal late on to secure all three points and extend South Africa’s unbeaten run in open play at the continental showpiece.
Photo Credit: Imago
Broos, who previously guided Cameroon to AFCON glory at Egypt’s expense in 2017, will be encouraged by his side’s recent record against North African opposition, with South Africa unbeaten in their last six meetings with the Pharaohs.
With a second consecutive victory likely to all but seal a place in the knockout stages, both sides head into this encounter knowing the significance of Friday’s clash in Agadir.
Team News
Egypt are not expected to make wholesale changes to their starting XI following their opening win, with Hossam Hassan likely to prioritise continuity as his side chase early qualification.
Trezeguet, who played a prominent role during qualifying, endured a relatively quiet outing against Zimbabwe but is expected to retain his place on the left flank as Egypt look to stretch South Africa’s defence.
Mohamed Salah once again remains Egypt’s primary attacking outlet after scoring the late winner in the opening match, becoming the second Egyptian player to score at five AFCON editions.
Photo Credit: Imago
Omar Marmoush, who scored the equaliser against Zimbabwe, is also expected to continue in an advanced role after a lively performance in the final third.
There is, however, a potential concern at left-back after Mohamed Hamdi was forced off with a suspected injury in the opening fixture. Should he fail to recover in time, Ahmed Fatouh is expected to deputise.
South Africa emerged from their victory over Angola without any reported injury concerns, and Hugo Broos could name an unchanged side as he looks to build momentum.
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Lyle Foster is set to lead the line once again after scoring and assisting in the opener, while Appollis is expected to continue in a supporting role following his first AFCON goal.
Egypt possible starting lineup
El Shenawy; Hany, Ibrahim, Abdelmaguid, Fatouh; Attia, Fathy; Salah, Marmoush, Trezeguet; Mohamed
South Africa possible starting lineup
Williams; Mudau, Ngezana, Mbokazi, Modiba; Mokoena, Sithole; Nkota, Mbule, Appollis; Foster
Egypt’s experience and ability to control possession make them difficult to overcome, but South Africa’s organisation and strong recent record in this fixture suggest they are capable of earning another positive result.
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A draw would leave both sides firmly on course for the knockout stages, with the battle for top spot in Group B set to go down to the final round of matches.
Prediction: Egypt 2-1 South Africa
