Christmas might be over, but for South African football fans, the real gift arrives tonight! Bafana Bafana are set to face the seven-time African champions, Egypt, in a massive Group B clash at the Grande Stade d’Agadir.
Both teams are coming off intense 2-1 victories in their openers. South Africa showed serious grit to edge past a stubborn Angola side, while Egypt needed a trademark MohamedSalah injury-time winner to sink Zimbabwe. Tonight, the winner doesn’t just take the top spot; they essentially book a seat in the Round of 16. But there is a much deeper story brewing: the narrative of “2019 revenge.”
The Night Cairo Went Silent
If you ask any Egyptian player about South Africa, their minds go straight back to July 6, 2019. It was a nightmare for the Pharaohs. Playing at home in front of a deafening Cairo International Stadium, they were the heavy favorites. Instead, Thembinkosi Lorch scored an 85th-minute winner that sent shockwaves through the continent and dumped the hosts out in the Round of 16.
That loss left a permanent scar. Even today, icons like Salah, Trezeguet, and goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy—who all played that night—speak about it as one of their biggest career regrets. They aren’t just in Morocco to win a group game; they are here to “flip the script” and finally settle an old debt.
Form Guide: A Clash of Giants
This isn’t the same Bafana team of years past. Under Hugo Broos, South Africa has transformed into a continental powerhouse.
- Bafana Bafana: Currently on a record-breaking 27-game unbeaten run. Their 2-1 win over Angola featured goals from the clinical Oswin Appollis and the powerhouse Lyle Foster, who earned Man of the Match honors.
- Egypt: Also in fine form, they are 11 games unbeaten in open play. However, their opener against Zimbabwe was a wake-up call. They dominated 77% of possession but trailed for a large part of the game before Omar Marmoush and Salah saved their blushes.
South Africa holds a psychological edge: Egypt hasn’t beaten Bafana in a competitive match since 2006. In fact, our boys have won four of the last six meetings between the two.
Will Egypt Finally Break the “Bafana Curse”?
On paper, Egypt is the “Big Brother.” With Salah chasing his first-ever AFCON title and Marmoush lighting up the Bundesliga, their attack is frightening. But South Africa’s tactical discipline is elite. Captain Ronwen Williams (who was also in goal during that 2019 upset) remains the best shot-stopper on the continent, and our “short-passing game” is designed to frustrate teams that like to dominate the ball.
Expert Tip: Expect a chess match. Egypt will likely fly out of the blocks—statistically, all three of their previous AFCON goals against SA came in the first 12 minutes. If Bafana survives the early storm, the pressure shifts entirely to the Pharaohs.
For a deeper look at the betting odds, confirmed starting XIs, and tactical breakdowns, check out our full preview: South Africa vs Egypt predictions
The Verdict
Can Egypt beat us tonight? They have the individual stars to do it. But this Bafana squad has a “never-say-die” attitude that has become their trademark. Whether it’s another late Foster goal or a tactical masterclass from Broos, South Africa is no longer the underdog—we are the team to beat.