Egypt vs South Africa: History, Head-to-Head and What’s at Stake

When South Africa and Egypt lock horns in a Group B match at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, it will be more than just a football match it’s a clash of two African giants with contrasting legacies. The numbers tell an intriguing story: Bafana Bafana dominate the overall head-to-head, but Egypt hold the edge where it matters most, the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The Historical Balance

Across all competitions, the two nations have met 14 times, with South Africa winning 8 matches, drawing 2, and losing 4. Bafana Bafana have scored 15 goals to Egypt’s 10, boasting a healthy +5 goal difference. This dominance reflects South Africa’s strength in qualifiers and friendlies, where they’ve often outplayed the Pharaohs.

But the AFCON record flips the script. In three tournament meetings, Egypt have emerged victorious twice, conceding just once. Their 2–1 win ratio and +2 goal difference underline their pedigree in Africa’s biggest competition, a stage where experience and mentality often decide outcomes.

Head- to- Head: Pharoahs vs Bafana Bafana

AFCON	P	W	D	L	GF	GA
South Africa	3	1	0	2	3	-2
Egypt	3	2	0	1	1	2

Overall	P	W	D	L	GF	GA
Egypt	14	4	2	8	10	5
South Africa	14	8	2	4	15	-5

Why This Rivalry Matters

For South Africa, this fixture is about proving they can translate historical superiority into tournament success. For Egypt, it’s about reaffirming their status as continental heavyweights and reminding Bafana that AFCON is their territory.

Both teams enter this clash with different narratives:

• South Africa: A side looking to revive past glory and make a deep run in AFCON 2025. Their disciplined defense and quick transitions could trouble Egypt.
• Egypt: Backed by a rich AFCON history and star power, the Pharaohs thrive under pressure. Their ability to control possession and exploit spaces makes them dangerous.

Key Players to Watch

• South Africa: Expect the likes of Teboho Mokoena and Lyle Foster to lead the attack, while Ronwen Williams’ leadership at the back will be crucial.
• Egypt: Mohamed Salah remains the talisman, but watch out for emerging talents like Omar Marmoush, who add pace and creativity.

Tactical Talking Points

• South Africa’s Approach: Compact shape, quick counters, and set-piece efficiency.
• Egypt’s Game Plan: High pressing, fluid attacking patterns, and exploiting wide areas.

When will Bafana Bafana play Egypt next?

The rivalry resumes on 26 December 2025 in Morocco, as part of the AFCON 2026 qualifiers. It’s a festive showdown with massive implications: South Africa will aim to break Egypt’s AFCON dominance, while the Pharaohs look to extend their psychological edge.

Where to Watch

Fans can catch the action live on SuperSport and SABC Sport across Africa, with streaming available on DStv Stream and official CAF digital platforms. Kick-off is at 17:00.

AFCON 2025 Group B Fixtures

Date	Fixtures	Kickoff Time
22 December 2025	South Africa v Angola	19:00
22 December 2025	Egypt v Zimbabwe	22:00
26 December 2025	Angola v Zimbabwe	14:30
26 December 2025	Egypt v South Africa	17:00
29 December 2025	Angola v Egypt	18:00
29 December 2025	Zimbabwe v South Africa	18:00