Imagine the roar of 60,000 fans silenced in an instant by a single, stunning goal – that's the drama of Egypt versus South Africa, a rivalry that's defined Africa's football landscape for decades. But here's where it gets really exciting: as these two powerhouse nations clash again in AFCON 2025, could history repeat itself, or are we in for an even bigger upset? Dive in to explore the stakes, the stars, and the surprises ahead.
Egypt and South Africa Collide in a Spectacular Showdown at Morocco's Grand Stade d'Agadir
Published: Friday, December 26, 2025
The previous encounter between these football giants during the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) – Africa's premier continental tournament where teams battle for regional supremacy – stands out as one of the competition's most unforgettable shocks. Back in 2019 at Cairo International Stadium, Thembinkosi Lorch's pivotal goal shocked the home crowd, a sea of over 60,000 passionate supporters, as South Africa's Bafana Bafana ousted Egypt's Pharaohs from the Round of 16.
Fast forward six years, and these titans are set to face off once again in the AFCON spotlight. While the intensity might not reach the fever pitch of that Cairo classic, the match still holds tremendous significance – it's a timeless African duel pitting two of the continent's most legendary football nations against each other.
Both teams are riding high after kicking off Group B with wins in their first fixtures, and securing another victory here could propel either side closer to advancing through the group stage and into the knockout rounds, where the real battles for the trophy begin.
South Africa's team will travel from Marrakech to the Grand Stade d'Agadir, whereas Egypt benefits from the advantage of competing in their second straight game at a familiar stadium, giving them a potential edge in terms of comfort and adaptation.
Egypt kicked off their campaign with a gritty 2-1 turnaround win against Zimbabwe, where captain Mohamed Salah clinched the dramatic victory in added time – a moment that showcased the team's resilience. Head coach Hossam Hassan has openly praised South Africa's prowess, noting that this matchup will be a tougher challenge than the opener.
That said, Egypt has a minor worry regarding Mohamed Hamdi's fitness, as he had to leave the field during their Zimbabwe clash. Nevertheless, Hassan leads a squad packed with depth and experience, aiming for back-to-back group-stage triumphs to keep their title dreams alive.
This game also evokes nostalgic memories for the Egyptian coach, who was a key player on the Pharaohs' team that triumphed 2-0 over South Africa in the 1998 AFCON final, securing Egypt's continental championship.
On the other side of the pitch, South Africa's Hugo Broos draws inspiration from previous successes against Egypt. In 2017, the Belgian tactician guided Cameroon to AFCON victory in Libreville with a 2-1 final win over the Egyptians, and he acknowledges the extra drive that comes from facing a team you've previously defeated.
Broos has put together a motivated group in Morocco, pursuing both continental glory and his second AFCON coaching crown.
Energized by a strong run in FIFA World Cup qualifying, Bafana Bafana started their AFCON adventure positively by defeating Angola 2-1 in their debut match.
A big part of South Africa's offensive punch continues to come from Lyle Foster, who shone against Angola with a goal and an assist. His contributions will be vital as Bafana Bafana attempts to replicate their past triumphs against a tough Egyptian defense.
With legacies, aspirations, and advancement ambitions all intertwining, Egypt versus South Africa is poised to add another thrilling page to this long-standing AFCON feud.
What They Said:
Egypt's Coach Hossam Hassan: "South Africa is an incredibly robust side that commands our respect; they're among the top performers and strong contenders in this event. Our shared history includes wins for both teams, and this presents a fresh chance for us. We've studied their strengths and vulnerabilities closely. They're a highly aggressive outfit that excels in quick passes, but our coaching staff has crafted strategies to counter that effectively."
Egypt's Mahmoud Hassan Trezeguet: "This is a crucial match for our group, and we're optimistic about achieving a favorable outcome. We hold South Africa in high regard for their style of play. Our coach and team have prepared a solid game plan, and we're geared up to bring joy to Egyptian fans. We aim to demonstrate our top form, drawing confidence from our opening victory. Our previous AFCON meeting resulted in their elimination of us in 2019, but that's behind us now. Our focus is squarely on the future."
South Africa's Coach Hugo Broos: "We're thrilled to take on Egypt and fully aware of their caliber. As seven-time champions of this tournament, they have a storied reputation. They boast exceptional talents like Mohamed Salah, Omar Marmoush, and others, making them a fascinating opponent. However, we're entering the game with assurance, knowing we're a capable team ourselves. We'll aim to highlight our own strengths on the field."
South Africa's Striker Lyle Foster: "Team spirit is soaring after our first-match win, setting a strong tone. This will be a pivotal game since we're already on three points, and victory would give us a big leg up toward the next phase. The entire squad is concentrated and ready for success. While it's natural for overconfidence to creep in after wins, we maintain our internal drive and high standards to stay on track."
Stat of the Match:
South Africa has remained unbeaten in their last six encounters with Egypt, claiming four wins and two draws. Egypt's most recent victory over South Africa came in a 1-0 friendly match on November 15, 2006, at London's Griffin Park, where Emad Moteab netted the lone goal in the third minute. This streak highlights South Africa's dominance in recent years, but as fans know, football rivalries can shift in an instant – just ask anyone who's watched an AFCON underdog turn the tables!
And this is the part most people miss: while Egypt's star power and history often make them favorites, is South Africa's tactical edge and momentum enough to challenge that? Some argue Broos's experience could swing things, but others point to Salah's genius as game-changing. What do you think – will Egypt's familiarity and squad depth secure the win, or could Bafana Bafana pull off another historic upset? Share your predictions and hot takes in the comments below; let's debate the drama!
