Bafana Bafana’s Afcon 2025 run goes into a higher gear on Friday, 26 December. Egypt will be waiting in Agadir as hosts at 17:00.
We expect an exciting opening game between two teams already on three points. A win for either will guarantee a spot in the last 16.
Many eyes will be on one particular individual battle. Bafana Bafana’s Aubrey Modiba will come face-to-face with Egyptian superstar Mohamed Salah.
EGYPT VS BAFANA BAFANA: MOHAMED SALAH TO TEST AUBREY MODIBA
The Mamelodi Sundowns defender faces a demanding job. He is expected to take care of Africa’s greatest ever winger. Modiba will also need to manage his discipline after picking up a yellow card in the win over Angola.
Another booking against Egypt would see him miss the final group match against Zimbabwe on 29 December.
Does Aubrey Modiba have the experience?
Modiba has shown before that he can step up in big moments. With over 38 caps and a bronze medal from Afcon 2023, he is a trusted figure in Hugo Broos’ setup. He was ever-present at the last tournament, starting all seven matches as Bafana Bafana produced a strong defensive run, including four consecutive clean sheets.
The player known as “Postman,” due to his ability to always deliver, previously held his own against top attackers such as Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi, Nigeria’s Moses Simon and Theo Bongonda of DR Congo.
WINNING STARTS IN GROUP B
Looking back on matchday one, Egypt edged Zimbabwe 2-1 in their opener, and as expected, it was Salah who made the difference, scoring a dramatic injury-time winner to rescue the Pharaohs.
Bafana Bafana, meanwhile, also claimed a 2-1 win over Angola.
WHAT HAPPENED IN THE LAST MEETING?
Friday’s game revives memories of Afcon 2019, when Mzansi stunned hosts Egypt 1-0 in Cairo thanks to Thembinkosi Lorch’s late strike.
Former Bafana Bafana left-back Sifiso Hlanti did a job on the Liverpool star, offering a possible blueprint for Modiba.