Egypt vs South Africa: The numbers that support a Bafana win

South Africa will renew their rivalry against Egypt when the two sides clash in their second match at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on Friday.

Bafana Bafana and the Pharaohs both started with 2-1 wins, South Africa beating Angola as Egypt defeated Zimbabwe, and head into the clash in Agadir high on confidence.

However, while Egypt are considered favourites, given their pedigree as record seven-time African champions, added to the fact that they are ranked 26 places ahead of South Africa on the FIFA rankings, the statistics are very much in Bafana Bafana’s favour.

The numbers look good for Hugo Broos’ men and that could prove vital as South Africa will head into the match in a confident mood.

South Africa’s better head-to-head record

Egypt and South Africa have faced off 10 times in their history, their first meeting in January 1996 and the last in March 2025.

In those meetings, South Africa have won five, two ending in draws while Egypt have three wins. What is more, Bafana Bafana are undefeated against the Pharaohs in their last six meetings across all competitions.

Since losing to Egypt in November 2006, South Africa have won four and drawn two, with their 1-0 victory at AFCON 2019 the most stinging one on the North Africans.

Bafana Bafana in better form

Lyle Foster celebarates his goal against Angola with Sipho Mbule and Yaya Sithole. Photo SAFA

Meanwhile, South Africa are on a long unbeaten run since AFCON 2023 as they have not tasted defeat in 27 games across all competitions, a formidable record to bring to the game.

Egypt on the other hand have two defeats in their last seven games, which gives South Africa hope that they are beatable.

Leaky Egypt defence vs tight SA backline

South Africa head past Egypt goalkeeper.

The other factor that will give South Africa hope is that Egypt have not kept a clean sheet in their last seven games with goals conceded against Zimbabwe, Kuwait, Jordan and the United Arab Emirates, teams not considered football giants.

South Africa, meanwhile, have kept four clean sheets in their last seven and have let in more than one goal in just one of their last 10 matches.