Egypt
South Africa
>Egypt vs South Africa Predictions, Picks & Odds – 04/10/2026
Friendly International · Friendlies 1Egypt vs South Africa Preview
Egypt arrive at the Cairo International Stadium in decent form, having won, drawn and lost across their recent outings. Their last competitive fixture produced a resounding 5-0 demolition of South Sudan in 2027 AFCON qualifying, a result that underlined their attacking depth. Hossam Hassan's side remain unbeaten since their World Cup exit and will use this friendly to experiment, though Mohamed Salah's absence leaves a significant creative void.
South Africa travel to Cairo buoyed by their own 5-0 qualifying rout of Eritrea, yet their broader form reads inconsistently, with defeats and draws punctuating occasional victories. Pitso Mosimane has signalled wholesale changes to his starting eleven, prioritising squad rotation and development over immediate results. Bafana Bafana will nonetheless fancy their chances in a venue where they claimed a memorable 3-1 victory previously.
Egypt's recent record at the Cairo International Stadium tilts this fixture in their favour. The Pharaohs have lost just once since their World Cup elimination and followed that up with a dominant 5-0 demolition of South Sudan in qualifying. Without Mohamed Salah, Hossam Hassan will look to blood fringe attackers, yet the home crowd should compensate for any creative shortfall.
South Africa carry confidence of their own after thrashing Eritrea by the same scoreline. Pitso Mosimane has signalled wholesale rotation, however, which could disrupt cohesion. Bafana Bafana's away form reads inconsistently, with a win, draw and two defeats from their last five on the road, making a statement victory in Cairo a tall order.
The double chance on Egypt, covering a home win or draw, represents the strongest angle here. Backing the Pharaohs outright at 1.68 is tempting, but rotation on both sides introduces unpredictability. Pairing that with under 2.5 goals at 1.67 adds further value; friendlies of this nature, with experimental line-ups, rarely produce free-flowing football. Odds correct at time of publication.
Trends to Know about Egypt vs South Africa
- Egypt unbeaten since World Cup exit
- South Africa won last Cairo meeting
- Salah absent limits Egypt attacking depth
Form & Statistics: Egypt vs South Africa
Egypt
Recent form
Season statistics (5)
South Africa
Recent form
Season statistics (5)
Lineups: Egypt vs South Africa
Egypt
Starters
- 1 Mostafa Shobeir
- 2 Omar Gaber
- 3 Hossam Abdelmaguid
- 4 Ramy Rabia
- 5 Karim Hafez
- 6 Hamdi Fathy
- 7 Ahmed Lasheen
- 8 Mostafa Zico
- 9 Emam Ashour
- 10 Ibrahim Adel
- 11 Omar Marmoush
Absent
- Mohamed Salah (Rest/Agreement with coaching staff)
- Mohamed Abdelmonem (Injury)
- Mahmoud Hassan Trezeguet (Hamstring strain (sidelined for a month))
- Yasser Ibrahim (Sprain in medial ligament and tear in lateral ligament of ankle (out for several weeks))
- Mohamed El Shenawy (Minor tear in left adductor muscle)
- Haitham Hassan (Rested after recovering from injury)
South Africa
Starters
- 1 Sipho Chaine
- 2 Khulumani Ndamane
- 3 Siyabonga Ngezana
- 4 Lebone Seema
- 5 Fawaaz Basadien
- 6 Sphephelo Sithole
- 7 Brooklyn Poggenpoel
- 8 Tashreeq Matthews
- 9 Themba Zwane
- 10 Puso Dithejane
- 11 Cassius Mailula
Absent
- Teboho Mokoena (Injury (picked up late in Guinea game))
- Bathusi Aubaas (Injury (limped off against Eritrea))
- Lebohang Maboe (Withdrawn from squad)
- Lyle Foster (Left out of squad)
- Khuliso Mudau (Injury)
- Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Injury)
- Evidence Makgopa (Injury)
- Thalente Mbatha (Injury)
Medium confidence
Both sides line up in a 4-2-3-1, setting the stage for a tactically familiar contest. Egypt will look to Omar Marmoush as the focal point of their attack, with Emam Ashour and Ibrahim Adel providing the creative thrust behind him in what promises to be a fluid, possession-oriented approach from the Pharaohs.
South Africa mirror that structure, with Themba Zwane expected to be the chief orchestrator in the number ten role. Bafana Bafana's double pivot of Sithole and Poggenpoel will be tasked with shielding a back four that must cope with Egypt's considerable attacking options across the width of the pitch.
Egypt vs South Africa: Head-to-Head
Average statistics (recent meetings)
How to Watch Egypt vs South Africa Match?
What time is Egypt vs South Africa?
Egypt vs South Africa kicks off at 19:00 local time on Sunday 4 October 2026.
Where is Egypt vs South Africa being played?
This match takes place at the Cairo International Stadium in Cairo, Egypt.
How Can I Watch Egypt vs South Africa on TV and Live Stream?
Check local listings for broadcast details, as friendly international coverage varies by region.