Former Egypt head coach Hossam El Badry has weighed in on Bafana Bafana’s prospects at the upcoming 2025 AFCON finals in Morocco.
South Africa are in Group B together with seven-time African champions Egypt, as well as their COSAFA rivals Angola and Zimbabwe. While Egypt are seeking to reclaim this continental title they last clinched 15 years ago, Bafana have not been crowned as champions since 1996.
Hugo Broos and his troops’ quest to conquer the continent begins with what appears to be an unpredictable Group B campaign. They kick off the tournament against Angola in Marrakech on Monday, followed by a Boxing Day clash with the Pharaohs.
The December 29 confrontation with Zimbabwe will conclude Bafana’s group stage business. However, Broos is wary of the threat posed by Egypt, leading him to declare matches against Angola and Zimbabwe must-wins, while leaving room for a potential upset by the North Africans.
The last time Egypt and Bafana met at AFCON was in 2019, when Thembinkosi Lorch’s strike eliminated the Pharaohs at the Round of 16 stage. Interestingly, Egypt were the hosts and were knocked out from their own party. That could make Friday’s clash at Adrar Stadium in Agadir a grudge tie.
El BADRY FORECASTS BAFANA VS EGYPT AFCON COLLISION
“Obviously, it’s a group that will not be easy. I’m expecting Egypt and South Africa to qualify from this group,” El Badry told FARPost.
“As for South Africa, they have some young players, very good players and talented. Honestly, I don’t know what to expect between Egypt and South Africa. Chances are good for both of them; there could be a draw, Egypt can win, or South Africa can win.
“It will also depend on the teams’ motivation on the day. That will influence the way the teams play. But just one mistake, a team can lose the game. I say Egypt and South Africa will qualify from this group also because Angola are not as strong as they were maybe four or five years ago. You see players like Mabululu are getting old. I can’t say much about Zimbabwe.
“Both Egypt and South Africa can even reach the final, but it’s difficult to say which team will win AFCON.”
Egypt had their star player, Mohamed Salah, arriving at AFCON against the background of some problems he was facing at Liverpool. The Egypt captain has also dipped in form, but El Badry does not see that affecting the player or Egypt.
“No, I don’t think Salah’s problems will affect the way he performs or the team. His problems won’t show,” continued the Al Ahli Tripoli coach.
“Salah will be strong; he will fight. Besides him, we have [Manchester City striker Omar] Marmoush, Trezeguet and Zizo. Those are strong attacking players.”
EL BADRY WANTS SOUTH AFRICAN PLAYERS AT AL AHLI
The 2012 CAF Champions League-winning coach with Al Ahly, as well as a three-time Egyptian Premier League winner, El Badry, expressed his admiration for South African players.
“South Africa will do well at AFCON, and I have confidence in their players. You know I’m in Libya and looking for players in South Africa,” said El Badry.
“I want a scoring striker and a midfielder. I’m following players in South Africa, and I need a number eight and six and a number seven. Those positions, I can trust players from South Africa. I have been watching them.”
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