Khothatso Leballo

Opinions from prominent football figures continue to pour in following South Africa’s controversial loss to Egypt, a match overshadowed by some contentious decisions in Agadir. Refereeing calls and the inconsistent use of VAR at the tournament remain the dominant talking points, drawing stern scrutiny.

The contest between South Africa and the Pharaohs was marred by controversy, with the 1996 African champions dominating large spells of the match. However, despite control from Hugo Broos' men, it was the North Africans who emerged with three points as they claimed a 1-0 win.

The 21-year-old has been recognised just five months after signing for Al Ettifaq from the Buccaneers, underlining the promise he has already shown and hinting at even bigger contributions in the months ahead. The award is a timely reward that could also serve as a major confidence boost at the ongoing AFCON finals, inspiring him to perform at a higher level and emerge as one of the tournament’s standout players.

GOAL gives you the details to follow South Africa's Group B clash with the Pharaohs at Grand Stade D’Agadir on Friday. Both teams won their opening games and will be out to build on that momentum. The winner of this Boxing Day showdown confirms their place in the Round of 16, as the loser might risk early elimination. While both sides might welcome a draw, the two former African champions will be going for the kill to stay safe and that is what ups the stakes.

Inspired by their 26-year-old star, the Carthage Eagles managed a convincing victory over the Uganda Cranes as their AFCON campaign started as they wished. The East Africans struck late in the second half to deny the North Africans a clean sheet. The 2004 AFCON champions now top their group ahead of Nigeria, who also won their opening game.

The Super Eagles started their campaign by collecting maximum points in Group C. They edged the Taifa Stars in a dominant performance, especially in the first half. After finishing as tournament runners-up the last time out, the Super Eagles are bidding to be crowned African champions since 2013.

The Buccaneers went for this current international break leading the PSL table and relegating Sundowns to second place. The Soweto giants enjoy two points clear at the top, having played a game less than the Brazilians. That gives them a crucial edge ahead of the resumption of league action in January.

The two attackers were making their debuts at the continental football competition and instantly impressed. One grabbed South Africa's winning goal while the other had a strike disallowed for offside as they were a constant threat to the Palancas Negras. In the end, South Africa bagged maximum points and got their Group B campaign off to an encouraging start.

The former Super Eagles captain walked away from his national team career just as his side was getting ready for the continental football showpiece. It marked the end of the 10 years he was with Nigeria, having established himself as a reliable centre-back and entrusted with a leadership role as the team's skipper. The Buccaneers defender played with him and has taken time to pay tribute.

GOAL gives you the details to follow South Africa's Group B opener at the continental competition against the Palancas Negras at Stade de Marrakech on Monday. The 1996 African champions would be seeking to start their campaign on a high by claiming a morale-boosting victory against their COSAFA rivals. Coach Hugo and his men are on a mission to go a step further after finishing third the last time out.

The 29-year-old forward is enduring a frustrating campaign, having struggled for regular game time this season. Despite enjoying a brief spell in which he impressively found the back of the net, coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has increasingly overlooked him in his selection. With the Buccaneers mentor showing little faith in the player, it remains to be seen whether the attacker will still be at the club next season.

The Chilli Boys custodian has long been linked with a move to Amakhosi, but the transfer has yet to materialise. Even at the peak of his career, he reportedly attracted interest from the English Championship, Scotland and the Middle East. However, he has remained in Gqeberha, with calls growing for the Soweto giants to still consider making a move for him.

The former Moroka Swallows coach has thrown his hat into the ring, insisting he is best suited to lead the Soweto giants and could be the solution to their problems. His comments come at a time when Amakhosi are being led by co-coaches Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef, who stepped in following the departure of Nasreddine Nabi. The current situation could pave the way for the Glamour Boys to appoint a substantive head coach at the end of the season.

The current AFCON break has seen exciting development in the technical set-up of the Cape Winelands side. The incoming coach is expected to use this pause in action to drill players in his philosophy and demands before competitive football resumes in January. Adding intrigue, a former Amakhosi tactician is already being strongly linked with the Western Cape outfit.

South Africa coach Hugo Broos took with him to the continental tournament forwards who have not been much prolific at their clubs. But he would be hoping his team will not face some attacking frailties in Morocco which could affect their campaign. The Belgian also banks on attacking midfielders and wingers who can cause problems for opponents on their day.

The Buccaneers’ Christmas wishlist indicates to just some fine-tuning rather than a major overhaul as they head into the January player transfer window. While the Soweto giants look well stocked in all departments, they are still expected to into the market to add extra quality and depth. This is driven by the fact that they remain in the hunt for the PSL title and the Nedbank Cup.

The Brazilians are staring at the grim prospect of ending the season empty-handed unless they mount a turnaround of their fortunes. To avert that outcome, Masandawana might need to pull their socks up in the PSL title race while also raising their game in the CAF Champions League and the Nedbank Cup. The pressure has intensified after the Tshwane giants already missed out on the MTN8 and the Carling Knockout this season.

South Africa have been drawn in Group B at AFCON, where they will renew COSAFA rivalries with Zimbabwe and Angola while also facing continental heavyweights Egypt. Navigating past this seemingly demanding pool would be crucial as South Africa chase a first AFCON title in 30 years.