Egypt and South Africa will both look to build on a good start to their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign when they meet in Sunday’s international friendly at Cairo International Stadium.
Kick-off is at 8:00 pm CAT.
CURRENT FORM
The Pharaohs opened Group B with a 0-0 draw at home against Angola on September 25, before thrashing South Sudan 5-0 away on September 29, placing them at the top of their qualifying group.
Undefeated since losing to Argentina at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, Egypt are using the friendly against South Africa to maintain momentum before the AFCON qualifying campaign resumes in November.
South Africa, meanwhile, arrive after a 2-1 home win over Guinea on September 26 and a 5-0 win over Eritrea in Cairo on September 30; Pitso Mosimane’s first two competitive results in this second spell, leaving Bafana Bafana top of Group D on six points.
A positive result against Egypt would allow Bafana to close the window with a statement, as they last tasted defeat at the 2026 World Cup against Canada.
TEAM NEWS
Egypt are still managed by Hossam Hassan and will be without captain Mohamed Salah, who has left camp after agreeing to sit out the break.
Mohamed El-Shenawy, Yasser Ibrahim and Mahmoud Trezeguet are also sidelined.
South Africa, on the other hand, are thin in midfield. Teboho Mokoena and Bathusi Aubaas are out, Aubrey Modiba is a doubt, and Lebohang Maboe has withdrawn.
Lyle Foster was left out, while Khuliso Mudau, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Evidence Makgopa and Thalente Mbatha are injured.
WHAT WAS SAID?
Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan
“Mohamed Salah is a very important player in world football at any time, but he was absent due to personal circumstances. That is why I say the entire national team was going through difficult circumstances in the Angola match," Hassan said.
"Things would have been different if we had had a longer preparation period and had avoided injuries. I am not making excuses or offering justifications because the national team may be affected, but it does not depend on any one player. All the players are important.
"At the same time, it is not right for a country of 120 million people for the national team to depend on one player/ It is my responsibility to work with the committed players who are available to build a strong core for the national team. I try to choose my words carefully when I speak because my intentions are good, but I am often misunderstood."
South Africa head coach Pitso Mosimane
"The Egyptian nation has very good knowledge of Bafana Bafana. Bafana has a good history in Egypt, they also saw them at the World Cup. I am saying to Egyptians, we are brothers," Mosimane said.
"We might be fighting again in a few days to come [in the friendly], but now that we are here, we have a very good history. Even the coach, Rhulani Mokwena, is here, I was here. We have a very good foundation with the Egyptian Football Association."
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Egypt and South Africa will be meeting for the 16th time across all competitions.
Bafana Bafana have the edge, having recorded eight wins compared to the Pharaohs' five victories, while two games ended in a draw.
However, Egypt claimed a 1-0 win over South Africa in their last meeting, which was a 2025 AFCON Group B clash on December 26, 2025, decided by a 45th-minute Mohamed Salah penalty.