Agadir, Morocco – The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations reaches an early high point on Friday when seven-time champions Egypt face South Africa in a top-of-the-table Group B encounter at the Stade Adrar.
Both sides enter the match level on three points after identical 2-1 victories in their opening fixtures. Egypt staged a dramatic comeback against Zimbabwe, with Omar Marmoush equalising before captain Mohamed Salah struck a stoppage-time winner. South Africa, meanwhile, overcame Angola courtesy of goals from Oswin Appollis and a spectacular late effort from Burnley striker Lyle Foster.
The winner of this eagerly anticipated showdown will be all but assured of progression to the Round of 16, adding extra intensity to what promises to be a contest for football purists.
Despite Egypt’s superior FIFA ranking (35th compared to South Africa’s 61st), history favours Bafana Bafana. South Africa have won eight of the 14 previous meetings, with two draws, and remain unbeaten in their last six encounters against the Pharaohs.
In AFCON tournaments specifically, however, Egypt hold the edge with two wins from three meetings – including the 1998 final – while South Africa’s sole victory came in the 2019 Round of 16, when substitute Thembinkosi Lorch scored a memorable late goal in Cairo.
South Africa coach Hugo Broos, the experienced 73-year-old Belgian who spent Christmas Day preparing his squad, is relishing the challenge.
“I am happy to play seven-time African champions Egypt who have good players like Mo Salah,” Broos said. “It will not be easy but I am looking forward to this match.”
Broos dismissed any concerns over his team’s bus journey from Marrakesh to Agadir earlier this week, insisting: “That is part of the tournament. The players have to be professional about it. We will not have an excuse.”
Forward Lyle Foster echoed the squad’s determination, stating they are focused on “continuing to collect maximum points.”
Egypt hold a slight advantage having already played – and won – at the Agadir venue, while South Africa adapt to the surroundings.
With qualification almost secured for the victor and both teams brimming with confidence, Friday’s clash could prove pivotal in determining Group B’s eventual winners. Kick-off is at 16:00 local time (15:00 GMT).