Prediction: Egypt vs South Africa

Verdict: Draw

Best odds: 2/1

Bookmaker: ZetBet

Fresh from opening-day victories at the Africa Cup of Nations, Egypt and South Africa meet in Agadir on Friday in a clash that could decide the Group B winner. Both sides enter the contest level on points, setting the stage for a high-stakes encounter in the second round of matches.

Mohamed Salah delivered late drama for Egypt, scoring a stoppage-time winner against Zimbabwe to secure three points. Meanwhile, Lyle Foster struck the decisive goal for Bafana Bafana against Angola, ensuring Hugo Broos’s men began their campaign on a positive note.

Egypt

Hossam Hassan has promised improvements after the Pharaohs endured a nervy start against Zimbabwe. Despite being tipped for a comfortable win, the seven-time African champions fell behind in the first half and struggled to break down their opponents.

It took a moment of brilliance from Omar Marmoush to restore parity, sparking hope of a turnaround. With the game seemingly headed for a draw, Salah stepped up in stoppage time, sealing victory and becoming the first Egyptian to score in five AFCON editions—a remarkable milestone for the Liverpool forward.

However, Egypt knows that a repeat performance will not suffice against Friday’s opponents. The North African giants have not beaten South Africa since November 2006, and their last competitive meeting ended in a 1-0 defeat at AFCON 2019 in Cairo. That result serves as a stark reminder that complacency could prove costly against a side that has grown in confidence under Broos.

Team News

Trezeguet, who starred during qualifying, failed to impress in the opener but is expected to keep his place. Salah remains the focal point after his match-winning display, supported by Marmoush’s creativity.

Mohamed Hamdi’s suspected injury against Zimbabwe casts doubt over his availability, with Ahmed Fatouh likely to step in at left-back if required.

South Africa

Hugo Broos, the experienced tactician who denied Egypt the title with Cameroon in 2017, now seeks another statement win against the seven-time champions.

South Africa’s opener against Angola was far from straightforward. Oswin Appollis gave Bafana Bafana an early lead, only for Show to equalize in the 35th minute. The game remained tense until Foster struck with 11 minutes left, clinching a vital victory for the 1996 champions.

Foster’s goal carried historical significance: by scoring at AFCON while representing a Premier League club, the Burnley striker matched Phil Masinga’s achievement from 1996, when the Leeds United forward netted against Cameroon.

Yet such records will mean little without consistency. A positive result against Egypt could secure South Africa’s place in the last 16, adding extra motivation for Broos’s men.

Team News

No injuries were reported after the Angola match, so an unchanged lineup is expected. Foster, buoyed by a goal and assist, will aim to maintain his influence, while Teboho Mokoena’s long-range shooting remains a potent weapon at Stade Adrar.

Head-to-Head

Egypt’s seven continental titles dwarf South Africa’s single triumph, but recent history favors Bafana Bafana. Their last competitive meeting ended in a South African win at AFCON 2019, and Egypt has not beaten them in nearly two decades. This backdrop adds intrigue to Friday’s showdown, where form and history collide.

Conclusion

Past success offers no guarantees against Broos’s disciplined side. South Africa’s ability to exploit spaces suggests a draw is the most probable outcome, leaving the battle for top spot finely poised heading into the final round of group fixtures.

Verdict: Draw

Best odds: 2/1

Bookmaker: ZetBet