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Egypt coach reacts to facing Bafana Bafana at AFCON 2025

Egypt coach Hossam Hassan has reacted to being paired with Bafana Bafana in Group B of the 2025 AFCON tournament.

The seven-time African champions face a herculean task in a group that also consists of Angola and Zimbabwe.

The tournament is scheduled to take place from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026. But it is Hugo Broos’ men that are likely to present them with a serious challenge in the group.

In their latest meetings, Egypt emerged victorious twice, while Bafana also garnered two wins. One match ended in a draw.

In addition, their meeting evokes bitter memories for Egypt having been eliminated from the 2019 AFCON finals’ round of 16 by Bafana.

Thembinkosi Lorch scored the only goal Bafana needed to account for a narrow 1-0 victory at the famous Cairo International Stadium.

Moreso, in the latest AFCON edition, Bafana Bafana showed their pedigree throughout the tournament, securing bronze medal after beating DR Congo in a penalty shootout.

Bafana Bafana ahead of a match
Bafana Bafana. Picture by SAFA

WHAT THE EGYPT COACH SAID

After being drawn in the same group with Bafana Bafana, the Egyptian coach Hassan said they bank on the likes of Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush to make a difference.

Hassan admitted that the Hugo Broos-coached side could be their strongest opponent in Group B.

“I would like to wish all the best of luck to all the teams that want to win the big competition. As the Egyptian team, we are proud because we have won seven times. Mohamed Salah, I am lucky as a coach to have him.

“We have a player among the best in the world. Egypt has great talent all the time like Omar Marmoush. I am very glad, as a coach, to have such talented players.

“Salah and Marmoush will be the positive elements for the Egypt team especially against South Africa. And Angola and Zimbabwe have also progressed a lot,” Hassan told journalists after the draw.

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