today, December 26, 2025, at 16:00 (Rabat time), the Grand Stade d’Agadir hosts the “Battle of the Titans” between Egypt and South Africa.1
This is more than a game it’s a grudge match with 30 years of history on the line.
The Historic Rivalry: The Curse of Cairo 2019
To understand why this game is so massive, we have to look at the historical “mental games” between these two:
- The 1998 Final: Egypt’s current coach, Hossam Hassan, was on the field when the Pharaohs beat Bafana Bafana 2-0 in the final to claim their 4th title.2
- The 2019 Heartbreak: In one of the biggest shocks in AFCON history, South Africa eliminated hosts Egypt in the Round of 16 in front of 75,000 silent fans in Cairo.3
- The Current Streak: South Africa is actually undefeated in their last 6 games against Egypt.4 They are the one team the Pharaohs truly struggle to dominate.
Tactical Preview: Speed vs. Strategy
Egypt (The “Premier League” Power):
- The Star: Mohamed Salah is coming off a massive high after scoring a 91st-minute winner against Zimbabwe.5
- The Duo: Watch the connection between Salah and Omar Marmoush (Man City).6 They are the most dangerous attacking duo in the tournament right now.
- Tactics: Coach Hossam Hassan plays a relentless attacking 4-3-3. They had 35 shots in their first game—they don’t just win; they overwhelm.
South Africa (The “Tactical Underdog”):
- The Star: Lyle Foster (Burnley) is the danger man.7 He scored the winner against Angola and is the focal point of their counter-attacks.
- The Strategy: Hugo Broos has built a team that thrives on the “Short-Passing” game. They aren’t afraid of Salah; they plan to “contain” him by cutting off the supply from the midfield.
- The Advantage: Most of the South African squad plays together domestically at Mamelodi Sundowns, giving them a telepathic level of chemistry.
Predicted Lineups for Agadir
| Position | Egypt (4-3-3) | South Africa (4-2-3-1) |
| Goalkeeper | El-Shenawy | Ronwen Williams |
| Defense | Hany, Abdelmagid, Ibrahim, Fatouh | Mudau, Ngezana, Mbokazi, Modiba |
| Midfield | Fathy, Marwan Attia, Emam Ashour | Mokoena, Sithole, Appollis |
| Attack | Salah, Marmoush, Trezeguet | Lyle Foster, Mofokeng |
Pro Stats to Share
- Early Goals: All 3 of Egypt’s goals against South Africa in AFCON history have come in the first 12 minutes.8
- Unbeaten Run: South Africa has a 12-game unbeaten run heading into this match.
- The “Freshness” Factor: Egypt has had an extra day of rest compared to South Africa, which could be decisive in the Agadir heat.
