Egypt v South Africa preview
Seven-time Africa Cup of Nation (AFCON) champions Egypt will hope for a less nerve-shredding experience when they face South Africa in their second match of the 2025 tournament in Agadir.
Having been behind at half-time to underdogs Zimbabwe on Monday, Manchester City forward Omar Marmoush equalised with 26 minutes of regular time remaining before Liverpool counterpart Mohamed Salah struck the 91st-minute in their 2-1 win.
Manager Hossam Hassan said the Pharaohs were “unlucky” but “wasted many chances” on their way to victory.
“We made it harder than it should have been,” Hassan told BeIN Sports, via King Fut. “I warned the players about this scenario and we have to learn the lesson.”
South Africa also started with three hard-earned points, taking the lead against Angola through Oswin Appollis’ strike but swiftly being pegged back until Burnley forward Lyle Foster curled in the 79th-minute winner.
Bafana Bafana were transformed during the second half, with half-time substitute Tshepang Moremi narrowly having a goal ruled out for offside before Foster went one better.
“We got some things right during half-time,” said boss Hugo Broos. “Momeri gave us good service. He played very well, was quick and was a threat to Angola.
“That changed a lot of things. We were also more aggressive. We put more pressure on our opponents.”
Egypt v South Africa team news
Egypt replaced Emam Ashour with Nantes striker Mostafa Mohamed in the 33rd minute against Zimbabwe.
Hassan called Al-Ahly’s Ashour “a great player” but pointed out that the midfielder only returned in mid-November after two months out with Hepatitis A.
“He is not fully fit yet after a long absence,” added Hassan. “I decided to take him off to protect him from the pressure.”
Salah made his first start since November 22 in the opener, having been on Liverpool’s bench for four consecutive matches, including two as an unused substitute.
Long-serving midfielder Themba Zwane helped South Africa finish third in 2023 and was named in their provisional squad but missed out through a knee injury.
Momeri is an obvious candidate to come in to their line-up, with Al-Ettifaq’s Mohau Nkota making way for him on Monday.
Egypt v South Africa: AFCON 2025 predicted line-ups
Egypt starting XI: Mohamed El Shenawy, Mohamed Hany, Yasser Ibrahim, Hossam Abdelmaguid, Mohamed Hamdy, Mohamed Salah, Marwan Attia, Emam Ashour, Hamdi Fathy, Trezeguet, Omar Marmoush
South Africa starting XI: Ronwen Williams, Khuliso Mudau, Siyabonga Ngezana, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Aubrey Modiba, Tshepang Moremi, Sphephelo Sithole, Sipho Mbule, Teboho Mokoena, Oswin Appollis, Lyle Foster
How to watch Egypt v South Africa: TV channel, live online stream
Kick-off on Friday is at 15:00 GMT (12:00 ET / 09:00 PT). In the UK, live AFCON 2025 coverage is on Channel 4’s 4seven, All 4 and YouTube channel. In the USA, beIN Sports is the tournament broadcaster.
Online live streaming is available on a vast range of devices through Channel 4’s website and app and the beIN Sports app.
Egypt v South Africa: AFCON 2025 stats
- Egypt are 11 AFCON games unbeaten in open play (W4 D7) since their defeat to Nigeria in their opening game in 2021, although they had gone six without victory in open play (D6) before beating Zimbabwe
- Each of their last five AFCON opponents have scored against them since a 0-0 draw with Senegal and defeat on penalties in the 2021 final
- They are undefeated in six group games (D3 W3) and came from behind to win a game at the finals for the first time since beating Morocco in the 2021 round of 16
- Victory would see Egypt start with successive wins for an 11th time and the first since 2019
- That loss against Nigeria is their only defeat in their last 23 group games (W15 D7)
- Salah has eight goals in 20 AFCON games across five editions after netting with his only shot on target, as well as creating six chances – more than any other player
- South Africa are targeting two opening wins for a third time, having previously achieved the feat in 1996 and 2000
- They won their opening game against Benin in 2004 but then lost their second against Nigeria
- Since a defeat to Mali in 2023, South Africa are undefeated in seven AFCON matches in open play (W3 D4)
- Having gone winless in four matches against North African teams beforehand (D1 L3), South Africa have won their last two such encounters by beating Egypt in 2019 and Morocco in 2023
- At his fourth finals, Ronwen Williams featured in his 12th AFCON game to match Andre Arendse for the most appearances at the tournament by a South Africa goalkeeper
- Against Zimbabwe, Foster became the first South Africa player to produce a goal and assist in an AFCON game since May Mahlangu against Morocco in 2013
