AFCON 2025: A fiery match between Egypt and South Africa awaits.

(NLĐO) - The clash between Egypt and South Africa at 10 PM on December 26th is both an "early final" of Group B and a classic African derby.

Six years after the shock in Cairo, where South Africa eliminated host nation Egypt in the round of 16 of AFCON 2019, the two teams meet again with both sides having secured favorable opening victories and aiming for an early ticket to the knockout round of the tournament currently taking place in Morocco.

AFCON 2025 awaits the South Africa vs. Egypt showdown.

Egypt entered this match with a distinct advantage as they didn't have to travel far. Coach Hossam Hassan's team had just secured a hard-fought 2-1 comeback victory against Zimbabwe at the Agadir Stadium, with captain Mohamed Salah playing a crucial role by scoring the decisive goal in injury time.

Salah scored the winning goal in a 2-1 victory against Zimbabwe.

Despite a less-than-convincing performance, the victory helped the "Pharaohs" relieve pressure and boost confidence. Egypt's biggest concern right now is Mohamed Hamdi's fitness after a minor injury in the opening match, but with a squad of experienced players and stars like Mohamed Salah, Omar Marmoush, and Hassan Trezeguet, they still have enough depth to aim for three points.

Egypt dreams of its eighth African football triumph.

On the other side of the battlefield, South Africa showed considerable stability and confidence. Their 2-1 victory against Angola in the opening match, while not spectacular, was enough to affirm the "Bafana Bafana's" character. The 250 km journey from Marrakech to Agadir, taking over 3 hours, is perhaps South Africa's only obstacle for this crucial match.

Oswin Appollis (7) celebrates after scoring in the opening match.

Under the guidance of coach Hugo Broos – who has repeatedly dominated Egypt in the past – South Africa has developed a dynamic, disciplined, and highly collective playing style. Their greatest strength lies in their attack, where Lyle Foster is in top form, capable of creating breakthroughs and constantly putting pressure on the opposing defense.

In terms of overall strength, Egypt is still considered the stronger team due to its impressive track record with 7 African Cup of Nations (CAN, AFCON) titles and its star-studded squad.

However, recent head-to-head history is not in their favor. South Africa is unbeaten in their last six encounters with Egypt, including four wins, giving them a significant psychological advantage. This fact forces Egypt to approach the game cautiously, avoiding the mistakes that have cost them dearly in the past.

South Africa awaits a decisive battle with Egypt.

Tactically, Egypt will likely control possession and try to impose their game, while South Africa will be prepared to play a mid-range pressing game, waiting for opportunities to counter-attack. The match therefore promises to be closely contested, tense, and could be decided by a moment of individual brilliance, rather than a one-sided affair.

With both teams currently holding 3 points, another victory would almost certainly open the door to the next round. This makes the match in Agadir not only significant in terms of points, but also a true test of the ambitions of both Egypt and South Africa at AFCON 2025.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/afcon-2025-ruc-lua-tran-ai-cap-nam-phi-196251226084110988.htm