AFCON

PREVIEW GROUP B: South Africa battle Egypt in top of the table clash

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South Africa and Egypt meet in a top-of-the-table Group B clash at Stade Adrar, in Agadir with both sides having won their opening matches. Egypt edged Zimbabwe 2–1 thanks to Mohamed Salah’s stoppage-time strike, while South Africa defeated Angola 2–1 with goals from Oswin Appollis and Lyle Foster. This encounter could decide who tops the group.

Previous Meetings

  • Egypt and South Africa have a long history:
  • AFCON 2019 (Round of 16): Egypt 0–1 South Africa (Thembinkosi Lorch winner).
  • CHAN 2025: Egypt 1–3 South Africa; earlier in the same tournament, South Africa 1–1 Egypt.
  • Overall record: South Africa have won 6–8 meetings, Egypt 4–5, with a few draws.
  • South Africa have often been Egypt’s bogey team, knocking them out in key tournaments.

Team Performances in Opening Matches

Egypt vs Zimbabwe (2–1)

  • Fell behind to Prince Dube’s opener.
  • Omar Marmoush equalized with a driving run and finish.
  • Mohamed Salah scored a dramatic 91st-minute winner, showing his class under pressure.
  • Egypt dominated possession but looked vulnerable defensively.

South Africa vs Angola (2–1)

  • Oswin Appollis opened the scoring with a composed finish.
  • Angola equalized, but Lyle Foster struck a superb 79th-minute winner from distance.
  • Ronwen Williams made crucial saves, including early stops from Gelson Dala.
  • Bafana Bafana showed resilience and attacking flair.

Group B Standings (after Round 1)

Predicted Lineups

  • Egypt (4-3-3):
    El Shenawy (GK); Hany, Adelmaguid, Yasser, Hamdy; Attia, Trezeguet, Marmoush; Salah, Fathy, Trezeguet, Ashour
  • South Africa (4-2-3-1):
    Williams (GK); Mudau, Ngezana, Mbokazi, Modiba; Mokoena, Nkonta; Appollis, Sithole, Mbule; Foster

Key Battles

  • Mohamed Salah vs Aubrey Modiba: Egypt’s talisman against South Africa’s strong left-back.
  • Teboho Mokoena vs Hamdy Fathy: Midfield control will dictate tempo.
  • Lyle Foster vs Yasser Ibrahim: Foster’s movement and finishing against Egypt’s defense would be they key.

Tactical Setups

  • Egypt: Possession-heavy, relying on Salah’s cutting edge and Marmoush’s creativity. Vulnerable to quick counters.
  • South Africa: Balanced approach, pressing high with Foster as focal point. Williams’ leadership at the back is vital.
  • Game dynamic: Egypt will dominate the ball, but South Africa’s pace and directness could expose gaps. Expect a tight, tactical battle with moments of individual brilliance deciding the outcome.

Both teams are level on points and goals, making this a potential decider for Group B supremacy. Egypt lean on Salah’s magic, while South Africa’s collective energy and Foster’s finishing make them dangerous.

Kelvin Musako

Kelvin Musako

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