Egypt, South Africa meet in blockbuster clash at the Grand Stade d’Agadir

Egypt VS South Africa, everybody is expecting the clash between these two powers, and it's about to kick off! Before the ball rolls, let's take a look at some interesting stats and facts about them.

South Africa are undefeated in their last six games against Egypt, winning four of these and drawing two. Egypt’s last win over South Africa was a 1-0 win in a friendly game on the 15th November 2006 in Griffin Park in London. 

Emad Moteab scored the game’s only goal in the third minute.

The last time these two heavyweights crossed paths at the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), South Africa delivered one of the tournament’s most memorable upsets.

At the Cairo International Stadium in 2019, Thembinkosi Lorch’s decisive strike stunned hosts Egypt, silencing a partisan crowd of more than 60,000 as Bafana Bafana eliminated the Pharaohs in the Round of 16. 

Six years on, Egypt and South Africa renew acquaintances on the AFCON stage once more. While the stakes may not mirror the drama of Cairo 2019, the fixture still carries significant weight; a classic African rivalry and a meeting of two of the continent’s most storied footballing nations.

Both sides arrive with momentum, having secured victories in their opening Group B matches, and a second win would place either firmly on the path toward the knockout rounds. 

South Africa make the journey from Marrakech to the Grand Stade d’Agadir, while Egypt enjoy the familiarity and comfort of playing a second successive match at a venue they know well.

The Pharaohs opened their campaign with a hard-fought 2–1 comeback victory over Zimbabwe, captain Mohamed Salah sealing the win with a dramatic stoppage-time strike. Head coach Hossam Hassan has acknowledged the quality of the South African side, conceding that this encounter will present a sterner test.

Egypt do, however, carry a slight concern over the fitness of Mohamed Hamdi, who was forced off during the win against Zimbabwe. Even so, Hassan still boasts a deep and experienced squad as he targets a second consecutive group-stage victory.

The fixture also stirs fond memories for the Egyptian coach, who was part of the Pharaohs’ squad that defeated South Africa 2–0 in the 1998 AFCON final to lift the continental crown.

Across the technical area, South Africa’s Hugo Broos also draws confidence from past encounters with Egypt. In 2017, the Belgian led Cameroon to AFCON glory in Libreville with a. 2-1 win in the final against the Egyptians and he admits there is always added motivation when facing an opponent you have beaten in the past.

Broos has assembled a highly driven squad in Morocco, chasing both continental success and what would be his second AFCON title as a head coach. 

Buoyed by an impressive FIFA World Cup qualification campaign, Bafana Bafana began their AFCON journey on a positive note, edging Angola 2–1 in their opening match.

Much of South Africa’s attacking threat once again rests on Lyle Foster, who produced a standout performance against Angola with a goal and an assist. His influence will be crucial as Bafana Bafana seek to recreate past success against a formidable Egyptian side.

As history, ambition, and qualification hopes converge, Egypt versus South Africa promises another compelling chapter in an enduring AFCON rivalry.