Egypt, Bafana Battle For AFCON’s Group B Supremacy

Egypt and South Africa will clash for Group B supremacy at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) when they meet at the Adrar Stadium in Agadir later today, 26 December.

Egypt, record seven-time AFCON champions, needed an injury-time winner from talisman Mohamed Salah to secure a 2-1 victory over a determined Zimbabwe in their Group B opener in Agadir on Monday night.

The Pharaohs appeared to be in trouble for much of the match after the Warriors took a surprise 20th-minute lead through Prince Dube. However, a superb equaliser from Omar Marmoush midway through the second half set the stage for Salah to clinch the win in added time.

South Africa, meanwhile, opened their AFCON campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory against Angola in Marrakesh on Monday, with goals from Oswin Appollis and Lyle Foster.

Bafana Bafana were outplayed by the Palancas Negras in the first half, but improved significantly in the second half, ultimately securing a deserved victory that puts them in a strong position for progressing beyond the group stage of the AFCON for the eighth time.

The results left Egypt and South Africa tied at the top of Group B on three points each, with Angola and Zimbabwe, who will meet in the group’s other match on Friday in Marrakesh, yet to register any points.
South Africa coach Hugo Broos acknowledges that Egypt will pose a tougher challenge than Angola:

“Egypt are next and will be at another level. But perhaps these matches suit us better. We don’t know much about Angola. It was our first game in the tournament, and we are still figuring out our strengths and weaknesses. Now we know what we need to do. We showed it in the second half against Angola, and we will aim to replicate that against Egypt. Not losing would be a good result.”

Egypt coach Hossam Hassan expects his team to improve for the clash with South Africa: “Opening matches are always difficult. The key is to win these matches and secure the three points. Our performance in the upcoming matches will improve. From now on, we are preparing for the match against South Africa. I thank all the players for their efforts in the game.”