- Here is Egypt vs South Africa prediction article which provides a comprehensive preview, key statistics, and head-to-head analysis ahead of the clash.
- The fixture marks Round Two of the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
- Kick-off is set for 6:00 PM EAT / 4:00 PM local time at Grande Stade d’Agadir.Â
A mouth-watering fixture awaits on Boxing Day, Friday, as two giants; Egypt and Bafana Bafana of South Africa, face off at the Grande Stade d’Agadir.
The clash comes as the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 resumes with Round Two following a rest day on Christmas.
Both teams enter this clash brimming with confidence, having started the tournament on a high note in Group B- a genuinely intriguing pool that also contains dark horses such as Zimbabwe and Angola.
The record champions, Egypt, had to grind out a victory until the dying minutes against a spirited Zimbabwe, eventually winning 2–1 thanks to a 90th-minute strike from Liverpool star Mohamed Salah.
This finish secured the win after Omar Marmoush had canceled out a first-half shock opener from Zimbabwe’s Prince Dube.
Hugo Broos’s side also needed to dig deep for their 2–1 triumph over a formidable Angola. Lyle Foster struck the decisive goal in the second half after Angola had equalized Oswin Appollis’s first-half effort through Show.
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This encounter also carries a fascinating recent history: Bafana Bafana have remained unbeaten against the Pharaohs in their last six meetings.
That run includes a stunning 1–0 victory in the 2019 AFCON round of 16, where South Africa knocked out the hosts in Cairo.
Friday evening promises a compelling contest.
The seven-time champions, Egypt, are still seeking their first title since 2010, while the one-time champions, South Africa, aim to lift the trophy for the second time since 1996.
Here are the key details for the Egypt vs South Africa match, along with some betting tips for your wager on SportPesa, which offers a variety of markets and instant payouts.
What time does Egypt vs South Africa kick off?
The Pharaohs will host Bafana Bafana on Friday, December 26, at the Grande Stade d’Agadir. Kickoff is set for 6:00 PM EAT / 4:00 PM local time.
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Egypt vs South Africa team news
Hossam Hassan will again rely on his key players to deliver a stronger performance than last time out, when they missed clear chances that could have sealed an earlier win.
Mohamed Salah will continue to lead the attack alongside Trezeguet, who did not produce his expected performance against Zimbabwe.
Omar Marmoush, the creative Manchester City attacker, will also be crucial after earning Man of the Match honors against Zimbabwe- he’ll hope for another impressive outing on Friday.
Mohamed Hamdi went off with a suspected injury against Zimbabwe and remains questionable for this match; Ahmed Fattouh could fill the left-back spot.
Meanwhile, Hugo Broos’s squad reported no apparent injury concerns after their win over Angola.
The 1996 African champions could field an unchanged side, with Foster aiming to build on his goal and assist from the opener.
SportPesa odds over 2.5 @ odds 2.27
Egypt vs South Africa predicted lineups
- Egypt:Â El Shenawy; Hany, Ibrahim, Abdelmaguid, El Fotouh; Fathy, Attia, Ashour; Salah, Trezeguet, Marmoush.
- South Africa:Â Williams; Mudau, Ngezana, Mbokazi, Modiba; Sithole, Mokoena, Moremi; Mbule, Appollis, Foster.
Egypt vs South Africa head-to-head record
The nations have met 14 times in total, with South Africa winning eight, Egypt four, and two matches drawn.
South Africa are undefeated in their last six encounters against Egypt, winning four and drawing two.
Egypt’s last victory over South Africa was a 1–0 friendly win on November 15, 2006, at Griffin Park in London, with Emad Moteab scoring the only goal in the 3rd minute.
This will be their fourth meeting at AFCON finals, following previous clashes in 1996, 1998, and 2019. In those AFCON matches, Egypt have two wins to South Africa’s one.
Past AFCON meetings
- 1996 – Group A: South Africa 0–1 Egypt
- 1998 – Final: South Africa 0–2 Egypt
- 2019 – Round of 16: Egypt 0–1 South Africa
Egypt vs South Africa prediction and betting tips
Egypt have conceded in their last five matches; their most recent clean sheet was in the 2021 final against Senegal (0–0, lost on penalties).
They are now six group games unbeaten (W3 D3). Their win over Zimbabwe was their first opening-game victory since 2019.
Salah’s strike against Zimbabwe was his 8th AFCON goal in his 20th appearance; he has scored in five different editions (2017, 2019, 2021, 2023, 2025).
South Africa have won their opening two AFCON games twice before (1996, 2000). The only other time they won their opener (2004), they lost their second match.
Bafana are now unbeaten in seven matches in open play, with their last defeat against Mali in 2023.
SportPesa odds over 2.5 @ odds 2.27
They have won their last two games against North African sides (Egypt in 2019, Morocco in 2023), after previously going winless in four (D1 L3).
Given these insights, this should be a thrilling contest. With Egypt’s current squad depth, they enter as favorites, but Bafana Bafana -a formidable side in their own right, cannot be ruled out. Goals are expected from both teams.
Place your bet on AFCON 2025 Round Two matches- Friday, December 26
Angola vs Zimbabwe – Marrakech Stadium, 3:30 PM EAT
Zambia vs Comoros – Stade Mohammed V, Casablanca, 8:30 PM EAT
Morocco vs Mali – Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, 11:00 PM EAT
