Egypt vs South Africa — an already decisive showdown in Group B 
Egypt and South Africa meet on Friday in Agadir for their second group match at the Africa Cup of Nations. Both sides started the tournament well. This clash could already tip the fight for top spot.
Egypt: a win that hurt, but useful lessons 
Egypt expected an easier night against Zimbabwe. It didn’t happen. Down at half-time, the Pharaohs wobbled. They only got back on level terms thanks to a flash from Omar Marmoush.
When it looked like they’d limp to a frustrating draw, Mohamed Salah showed up again in the dying seconds. His stoppage-time strike not only won the game, it pushed him further into the history books — scoring in five different AFCON editions.
Still, the win didn’t hide the problems. Hossam Hassan admitted as much: the performance must be stronger against South Africa. Remember, Egypt haven’t beaten the Bafana Bafana since 2006 and still carry the sting of that 2019 defeat in Cairo.
Individually, Salah is the obvious attacking weapon. Trezeguet was quiet in the opener but should keep his spot. At the back, Mohamed Hamdi’s injury exit could force a tweak on the left flank.
South Africa: a wake-up win and no nonsense ambitions 
South Africa did their job on matchday one. Against Angola the Bafana Bafana showed patience after conceding, then struck at the right moment.
The winner came from Lyle Foster, a player under plenty of scrutiny after a rocky club spell. He made a real offensive difference, and his link-up with Appollis and Mbule often pinned the Angolan defence back.
Hugo Broos knows a win like that can spark a run. This team looks more balanced than a few years ago — comfortable sitting deep but able to spring forward quickly.
Another plus: stability. No major injuries reported and the starting XI could be unchanged. The midfield, with Mokoena in particular, is a real threat from distance.
Probable 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
Key takeaways
- Both teams won their opening game.
- Egypt still looks fragile despite the result.
- South Africa show genuine collective cohesion.
- A draw would leave the group wide open.
Football Tips Egypt vs South Africa
Both teams to score
Egypt are the more experienced side, but South Africa have the tools to cause serious problems. Bafana Bafana matched the intensity and showed rhythm. Expect a tight game. Chances at both ends looks the likeliest script.
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