Egypt and South Africa face off in a major international friendly tonight at the Cairo International Stadium, with both teams coming off dominant wins in their respective AFCON qualifiers. The Pharaohs thrashed South Sudan, and South Africa defeated Eritrea to continue their impressive run. Historically, matches between these two African giants have been closely contested, with South Africa holding the upper hand in the head-to-head record (eight wins in 15 meetings). Egypt claimed the most recent victory, earning a 1-0 win over Bafana Bafana at AFCON 2025.
According to a report from journalist Ahmed Shobeir, Mohamed Salah will miss today’s fixture as he is currently in England. The former Liverpool winger was also unavailable for Egypt’s win over South Sudan, with reports indicating that head coach Hossam Hassan and Salah had a prior agreement regarding his availability. For the previous fixture, it was reported that Egypt’s management did not want to risk an injury to their star player on the artificial surface at Juba National Stadium. However, there have been no reports suggesting that the same concern is behind his absence from today’s game.
Aside from Salah, defender Mohamed Abdelmonem, Ahmed Fatouh, Mahmoud Hassan Trezeguet, Yasser Ibrahim and goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy are also unavailable for Egypt. Meanwhile, Bafana Bafana will be without Teboho Mokoena and Bathusi Aubaas, while Aubrey Modiba is also doubtful. Head coach Pitso Mosimane is expected to rotate his squad heavily today and give younger and fringe players an opportunity to impress. Hossam Hassan set Egypt in a 4-4-2 formation, while Pitso Mosimane lined South Africa up in a 4-2-3-1.
On the pitch, Osama Faisal had a header from the right side of the six yard box saved. Nkosinathi Sibisi replaced Yaya Sithole for South Africa. Mostafa Zico was shown the yellow card, and Olwethu Makhanya was shown the yellow card. Egypt won a corner after Khulumani Ndamane conceded it. Hamza Abdelkarim had a left-footed shot from the centre of the box blocked, assisted by Mostafa Zico. Egypt won another corner, conceded by Fawaaz Basadien. The fourth official announced 0 minutes of added time. Tarek Alaa replaced Mohamed Hany for Egypt. Ramy Rabia missed a right-footed shot from outside the box, close but to the left, assisted by Karim Hafez. Mohamed Hany was shown the yellow card. Mohanad Lasheen won a free kick in the defensive half after a foul by Shandre Campbell. Osama Faisal had another header from the centre of the box saved in the bottom left corner by Ricardo Goss, assisted by Zizo with a cross. Egypt won a corner, conceded by Fawaaz Basadien. Hamza Abdelkarim missed a left-footed shot from the left side of the box high and wide to the left, assisted by Ibrahim Adel. Mostafa Zico committed a handball. Thapelo Morena replaced Puso Dithejane for South Africa. Olwethu Makhanya replaced Brooklyn Poggenpoel for South Africa. El Mahdy Soliman replaced Mostafa Shobeir for Egypt.
