The controversial manner in which South Africa lost to the Pharaohs might have sparked a new fierce rivalry between the two teams. The growing grudge between the two teams could be akin to that between Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly, who have often crossed paths in the CAF Champions League in recent seasons. That simmering tension has left South Africa's vice-captain keen on another showdown with Hossam Hassan's men.
In a thrilling encounter between Egypt and South Africa on Friday, drama unfolded as several decisions by the officials drew scrutiny, with one in particular standing out—a penalty that secured the Pharaohs’ 1-0 victory and left the Belgian coach feeling aggrieved.
The Bafana coach has stressed that the young defender is already ripe to test himself in a well-established and developed competition like the leagues in Europe. The experienced tactician was not particularly impressed when the defender completed a move to Major League Soccer just before the AFCON finals began. Giving an example of how Mbokazi played against the Pharaohs, the Belgian insisted his defender needs better competition.
The South African side will be on high alert as they look to fix the lapses that cost them in their last outing, turning their attention to the Warriors on Monday—a side that has repeatedly shown they are tough to break down and never shied away from testing Bafana's resolve in past encounters.
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.
In a drama-filled encounter, the Pharaohs managed a slim victory over South Africa, courtesy of a controversial penalty scored by the Egyptian star. Bafana Bafana had their appeals for a penalty denied later in the game, a decision that brought about more controversy into a high-octane clash. Salah, who scored the penalty that gave Egypt the victory, has opened up about the game.
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 second Group B showdown between the Pharaohs and South Africa delivered drama from the first whistle on Friday, December 26. While Egypt’s narrow 1-0 victory dominated the headlines, the match left more questions than answers, with contentious decisions sparking debate and demanding closer inspection long after the final whistle.
Emmanuel Adebayor has leapt to Mohamed Salah’s defence after Jamie Carragher criticised the Liverpool forward, branding the pundit’s treatment of the Egyptian as "unfair". The former Premier League striker questioned Carragher’s comments and legacy debate, insisting Salah’s achievements and standing in English football demand far greater respect.
Mohamed Salah’s future at Liverpool has been thrust back into the spotlight after reports emerged of an approach from Fenerbahce, amid growing speculation over his standing under Arne Slot. However, the Egyptian superstar’s agent has now moved to shut down talk of an Istanbul switch, offering clarity on where the 33-year-old’s immediate future may lie.
Bafana Bafana marched into Stade Adrar for their second Group B showdown, locking horns with the mighty Pharaohs on Friday, December 26. Fresh off a spirited 2-1 triumph over Angola in their opener, the South Africans carried momentum and belief, ready to test their mettle against Egypt in a clash brimming with drama, pride and continental stakes.
Liverpool are braced for face-to-face showdown talks with the agent of Mohamed Salah during the Africa Cup of Nations. Salah's Liverpool future was thrown into doubt earlier this month in the wake of a spectacular outburst following the Reds' 3-3 draw at Leeds, where the Egyptian forward claimed he'd been "thrown under the bus" by the defending Premier League champions.
South Africa’s AFCON 2025 adventure began with a spirited 2-1 win over Angola, powered by Oswin Appollis and Lyle Foster. Egypt, meanwhile, needed Omar Marmoush and Mohamed Salah’s stoppage-time strike to edge Zimbabwe 2-1. Now, Group B’s giants collide in Morocco, with Bafana Bafana dreaming of a Boxing Day miracle against the Pharaohs.
Manchester City goal machine Erling Haaland has sent a message to Mohamed Salah after seeing the Liverpool ace score a late winner for Egypt in their AFCON win over Zimbabwe. The Liverpool forward took to social media after the game and posed with fellow goalscorer and Haaland's Manchester City team-mate Omar Marmoush, bringing a swift response from the striker.
As the Africa Cup of Nations finals gather momentum, fans now wait for a highly anticipated clash that may end up defining the fates of teams regarded as the tournament's favourites. One such game is the South Africa showdown against Egypt. Both registered wins in their opening games and will meet for their second match in Group B, a tricky clash given the result of their opening games.
Jamie Carragher has suggested that Mohamed Salah’s mooted January exit is now effectively off the table, arguing that Alexander Isak’s serious injury has left Liverpool with little margin for manoeuvre in attack. The Reds edged Tottenham 2-1 in their latest Premier League outing, but the result was overshadowed by the sight of their record signing limping away in distress.
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