Agadir, Morocco – Record Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) winners Egypt face South Africa in the opening blockbuster clash of Group B at the 2025 tournament. With Mohamed Salah leading the Pharaohs, both teams will look to make a statement in the “group of death.”

• When: Friday, 4pm local (15:00 GMT)
• Where: Adrar Stadium, Agadir, Morocco
• How to Follow: Al Jazeera Sport coverage begins at 12:00 GMT with live commentary

Egypt’s Build-Up: Salah in Focus

Much of Egypt’s pre-tournament news has centered on Mohamed Salah’s uncertain future at Liverpool. The 33-year-old forward’s reported fallout with the Premier League champions has overshadowed preparations, but Salah remains fully committed to Egypt’s AFCON 2025 campaign.

Coach Hossam Hassan confirmed Salah is focused on winning his first international trophy, having previously finished as a runner-up in 2017 and 2021.

Egypt’s Opening Match

Egypt kicked off the tournament with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Zimbabwe. Prince Dube scored early for Zimbabwe, but Omar Marmoush equalized in the 64th minute, and Salah clinched a last-minute winner in injury time.

South Africa’s Build-Up: Bafana Bafana on the Rise

South Africa began their campaign strongly with a 2-1 win over Angola, marking their first opening victory at AFCON in 21 years. Goals from Oswin Appollis and Lyle Foster secured the win after Angola briefly equalized.

Coach Hugo Broos will aim to maintain momentum against the African giants. Tshepang Moremi is pushing for a starting spot, potentially replacing Relebohile Mofokeng on the wing.

Group B Standings and Qualification

Both Egypt and South Africa sit on three points with identical goal differences. The top two teams from each group, plus the four best third-place teams, progress to the round of 16.

• Remaining Group B fixtures:
  • Angola vs Egypt (Adrar Stadium, 5pm/16:00 GMT)
  • Zimbabwe vs South Africa (Marrakesh Stadium, 5pm/16:00 GMT)

A win in the second matchday will virtually secure progression for the victor, while a defeat could leave either team vulnerable.

Historical Context: AFCON Records

• Egypt: 7-time AFCON winners; last title in 2010. First champions in 1957, and three consecutive titles from 2006-2010.
• South Africa: 1-time AFCON winners (1996 hosts); finalists in 1998.

Head-to-Head

This will be the 10th meeting between Egypt and South Africa:

• South Africa: 5 wins
• Egypt: 4 wins
• First encounter: 1995, friendly, 2-0 to South Africa
• Most famous: 1998 AFCON final, Egypt 2-0 South Africa

The last meeting occurred in the 2018 AFCON (played in 2019), with Thembinkosi Lorch scoring the only goal, sending South Africa into the round of 16.

Predicted Starting Lineups

Egypt (Coach Hossam Hassan):

• GK: Mohamed El-Shenawy
• Defenders: Mohamed Hany, Mohamed Abdelmagid, Hossam Abdelmagid, Mohamed Hamdi
• Midfielders: Hamdi Fathi, Marwan Attia, Emam Ashour
• Forwards: Mohamed Salah (captain), Omar Marmoush, Trezeguet

South Africa (Coach Hugo Broos):

• GK: Ronwen Williams (captain)
• Defenders: Khuliso Mudau, Siyabonga Ngezana, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Aubrey Modiba
• Midfielders: Sphephelo Sithole, Teboho Mokoena
• Forwards: Elias Mokwana, Relebohile Mofokeng, Patrick Maswanganyi
• Striker: Lyle Foster

Key Battle: Salah vs Foster

The match could hinge on the duel between Mohamed Salah, Africa’s prolific forward, and Lyle Foster, South Africa’s breakout star. Egypt will rely on Salah’s experience and finishing, while Bafana Bafana will look to Foster’s pace and long-range shooting to disrupt the Pharaohs.