AFCON 2025 has thrown down the gauntlet for Egypt, pitting the Pharaohs against their arch-rivals, South Africa, in a group stage showdown. This encounter carries the weight of history, as the two African giants have a long and storied rivalry.
The memory of their last encounter still lingers – a painful 1-0 defeat at the 2019 AFCON round of 16, inflicted by South Africa on Egyptian soil at the Cairo International Stadium. This bitter defeat serves as a potent reminder of the intensity and unpredictability of AFCON competition.
A History of Fierce Competition
The rivalry between Egypt and South Africa runs deep, with a history of closely contested matches across various competitions, including AFCON finals and qualifiers. Their head-to-head record reflects the fierce competition: two victories for Egypt, two for South Africa, and one draw. This historical context adds another layer of intrigue to their upcoming clash.
A Challenging Road Ahead
Egypt’s journey to AFCON glory will begin with a clash against Zimbabwe in Agadir, Morocco. However, the showdown with South Africa looms large as the pivotal moment in their group stage campaign. The final group stage match against Angola will present another crucial test. Here is what fans had to say:
A Stern Test for Coach Hossam Hassan
The 2025 AFCON, scheduled from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, presents the most significant challenge yet for coach Hossam Hassan since his appointment in February 2024. He acknowledged the strength of the group, stating, “It is a strong group. All the African teams have made significant progress recently. This edition will be very tough as there are formidable opponents. We have a strong team led by Mohamed Salah, one of the world’s best players, along with Omar Marmoush, Mostafa Mohamed, and Trezeguet. With all due respect to the other teams, our goal is to clinch the title.”
Other Notable Groups
The draw has produced some intriguing group stage encounters. Group A features hosts Morocco alongside Mali, Zambia, and Comoros. Group F promises fireworks with a marquee clash between five-time champions Cameroon and defending champions Côte d’Ivoire. Algeria, two-time AFCON champions, will face a stiff test in Group E against Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, and Sudan.
The Road to Glory
The stage is set for a thrilling AFCON 2025. Egypt, fueled by a desire to avenge their 2019 defeat and reclaim their place atop African football, faces a formidable challenge. The clash against South Africa will undoubtedly be a highlight, a battle of titans that will captivate the continent. As the tournament unfolds, the true contenders will emerge, and the pursuit of AFCON glory will reach its crescendo.
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