Two early winners at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations go head-to-head on Friday as Egypt and South Africa meet in a potentially decisive Group B showdown at the Stade Adrar in Agadir.
Both sides opened their campaigns with hard-fought victories and sit level at the top of the group, meaning this clash could go a long way toward determining not only first place, but also early qualification for the knockout stage.
Match Preview
Egypt arrive with momentum but also caution after being pushed to the limit by Zimbabwe in their opening fixture. Tipped to cruise past the Warriors, the seven-time African champions instead fell behind and struggled for rhythm before Omar Marmoush hauled them back into the contest.
Just as a draw seemed inevitable, captain Mohamed Salah delivered in trademark fashion, scoring a dramatic stoppage-time winner to secure all three points. The goal etched Salah’s name further into AFCON history, making him the first Egyptian player to score at five different editions of the tournament.
Despite the win, head coach Hossam Hassan admitted his side must raise their level, especially against opponents they have not beaten since November 2006. That warning is reinforced by memories of AFCON 2019, when South Africa stunned Egypt with a 1-0 victory on home soil in Cairo.
South Africa, meanwhile, will take confidence from a resilient opening-day 2-1 victory over Angola. After conceding an equaliser midway through the first half, Bafana Bafana showed patience and maturity before Lyle Foster struck late to seal the win.
The Burnley forward’s goal carried historical significance, making him the first South African since Phil Masinga in 1996 to score at AFCON while playing for a Premier League club. However, head coach Hugo Broos will be more focused on backing up that result, knowing a win over Egypt would secure early passage into the last 16.
Broos, who famously denied Egypt continental glory with Cameroon in 2017, will relish another tactical duel with the African giants, especially with his side showing improved organisation, pace and confidence.
Team News
Egypt are expected to maintain faith in Trezeguet, despite a quiet showing in the opening match. All eyes will once again be on Salah, whose influence proved decisive against Zimbabwe.
There is concern over left-back Mohamed Hamdi, who was forced off with a suspected injury last time out. Should he fail to recover in time, Ahmed Fatouh is the likely replacement.
South Africa reported no fresh injury worries following their win over Angola, and Broos may opt to name an unchanged starting XI. Foster, buoyed by his goal and assist in the opener, will again lead the line, while midfield enforcer Teboho Mokoena remains a threat from range.
Possible Line-ups
Egypt:
El Shenawy; Hany, Ibrahim, Abdelmaguid, Fatouh; Attia, Fathy; Salah, Marmoush, Trezeguet; Mohamed
South Africa:
Williams; Mudau, Ngezana, Mbokazi, Modiba; Mokoena, Sithole; Nkota, Mbule, Appollis; Foster
Prediction
Egypt 1-1 South Africa
While Egypt boast a far richer AFCON pedigree, South Africa’s balance, organisation and confidence under Hugo Broos suggest they are well equipped to trouble the Pharaohs. A closely contested draw looks likely, keeping the battle for top spot wide open heading into the final round of Group B fixtures.
