Egypt and South Africa renew one of Africa Cup of Nations’ most storied rivalries on Friday, knowing that victory in Agadir would put either side firmly in control of Group B.
Both teams began their Morocco 2025 campaigns with identical 2–1 wins, Egypt against Zimbabwe and South Africa over Angola, setting up a meeting heavy with history and consequence.
This will be the fourth time the nations face each other at AFCON finals, but the contest carries echoes far beyond group-stage arithmetic. Their previous meetings span defining moments of the tournament, from Egypt’s early dominance in the 1990s to South Africa’s famous knockout triumph on home soil in 2019.
The Pharaohs hold two AFCON wins over Bafana Bafana, including the most painful of them all for South Africa, the 1998 final in Ouagadougou, settled inside 13 minutes by goals from Ahmed Hassan and Tarek Mostafa. Yet South Africa have enjoyed the more recent upper hand, memorably knocking out hosts Egypt in Cairo six years ago when Thembinkosi Lorch struck late to silence the crowd.
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That 2019 upset still looms large. Several players return with memories from that night, including Mohamed Salah, Trezeguet, and goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy for Egypt, while Ronwen Williams again anchors the South African defence. Despite Egypt dominating possession and passes in that match, it was South Africa’s resilience and efficiency that told a pattern they will hope to repeat.
The broader numbers also tilt towards Bafana Bafana. South Africa are unbeaten in their last six matches against Egypt in all competitions, having won four and drawn two. Victory for the North Africans came nearly two decades ago, a 1–0 friendly win in London in 2006, underlining how difficult this fixture has become for the seven-time African champions.
There are also familiar faces on the touchline. Hossam Hassan was part of the side that defeated South Africa in the 1998 final, while Bafana Bafana boss Hugo Broos knows Egypt well, having led Cameroon to AFCON glory against the Pharaohs in the 2017 final, with Salah and Trezeguet in the starting XI.
With qualification momentum on the line and pride layered thickly over history, Friday’s clash at the Grande Stade d’Agadir promises more than just another group match. For Egypt, it is a chance to halt an uncomfortable trend. For South Africa, it is an opportunity to confirm that recent dominance over one of Africa’s giants is no coincidence.
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