PREVIEW: Egypt v South Africa – the 12th player factor

by
Kelvin Trudeau Musako
July 6, 2019

Egypt coach Javier Aguirre will be hoping his charges are at 100 percent when they face Bafana Bafana tonight at the Cairo International Stadium in a round of 16 tie of the 2019 Total Africa Cup of Nations.

The 12 player will play a big role in this tie, as the hosts seek for a record eighth Afcon title.

Captain Ahmed El Mohammady believes the pressure of playing in front of the home crowd is normal.

“The pressure is normal in Football, the Tournament is at home and we are expected to win it. We thank the fans for being there because they are an important factor, “He said.

Aguirre is wary of the danger that Bafana pose in this kind of situation

“I don’t think it will be an easy game against an organized team like South Africa. I am happy with the team till now away from the injuries to Ahmed Hassan and Mahmoud Genesh. I am hoping for a Positive result,” said Aguirre

Head to Head

South Africa have won 6 out of their 11 meetings with Egypt losing 4 and only drawing 1. Bafana’s last loss to Egypt was in the 2006 Nelson Mandela challenge.

Key Players

Egypt have a number of good players in their ranks but their key men today will be Mohamed Salah and Mahmoud Hassan Trezeguet.

South Africa’sBongani Zungu spoke to the press ahead of the big game tonight and believes the team can step up to the big occasion and able to contain the Egyptian stars.

“We have to be at 100 percent focus but we are ready. Egypt are a strong team, they are the hosts and they have a number of good players. We have to be fully ready to win in 90 minutes. It will be a tough game,” Bongani explained.

South Africa Themba Zwane and Percy Tau to help them in tonight’s game.