26 December 2025 at 15:00
Match Summary
Egypt defeated South Africa 1:0. The match was played in Africa Cup of Nations 2025. Goals were scored by M. Salah 45′ (pen.). 5 yellow cards were shown, 1 red cards. Egypt had 36% possession while South Africa held 64%. Egypt had 6 shots (3 on target) compared to 18 (6 on target) for South Africa. Egypt made 4 substitutions, South Africa made 4. VAR was involved: Penalty confirmed (Mohamed Salah 42′), Penalty cancelled (Teboho Mokoena 90′).
Match Events
Key match events between Egypt and South Africa — 1 goals and 6 cards recorded during the match.
Penalty
Match Statistics
Egypt had 36% possession against South Africa's 64%. Egypt registered 6 shots (3 on target) while South Africa managed 18 (6 on target). Corner kicks: 4–7. Fouls committed: 10–9.
Lineups
Egypt lined up in a — formation, while South Africa deployed a 4-2-3-1.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for Egypt is 7.08, compared to 6.85 for South Africa. This metric is derived from each player's average match rating across all league appearances this season — anything above 7.00 is considered strong, while below 6.50 signals inconsistency. Egypt's highest-rated starter is M. Salah (7.52), while South Africa's best-rated player is R. Williams (7.25).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of Egypt have contributed 9 goals and 5 assists this season, led by M. Salah (4G). South Africa's starters account for 5 goals and 4 assists, spearheaded by O. Appollis (2G). Goals reflect clinical finishing and chance creation, while assists highlight the ability to unlock defences through through-balls, crosses, and set pieces.
Defensive Solidity
Egypt deploy 5 defenders rated 7.09 on average, against South Africa's 4-man backline averaging 6.80. Higher defensive ratings suggest better positional awareness, fewer individual errors, and a greater likelihood of keeping clean sheets. The rating accounts for tackles won, interceptions, aerial duels, and blocks throughout the season.
Midfield Control
Egypt field 3 midfielders averaging 6.86, versus South Africa's 5 rated 6.74. Midfield ratings reflect passing accuracy, interceptions, key passes, and overall control of possession — the team that dominates midfield typically dictates the tempo and territory of the match.
Forward Threat
Egypt start 2 forward(s) averaging 7.27, compared to 1 for South Africa averaging 7.13. Forward ratings capture shot accuracy, movement off the ball, dribbling success, and involvement in build-up play — they indicate who carries the greater goal threat on the day.
Passing & Build-Up
Passing accuracy averages 43% for Egypt and 56% for South Africa. Higher passing accuracy generally indicates a possession-based style with patient build-up through the thirds, while lower figures may suggest a more direct, counter-attacking approach with long balls and quick transitions.
Discipline
Egypt's starters have collected 8 yellow cards this season, compared to 9 for South Africa. Yellow cards reflect how aggressively a team presses and tackles — a high count may indicate a physical, high-pressing style but also risks suspensions and late free-kicks in dangerous areas.
Age & Experience
The average age of Egypt's starting XI is 30.6 (youngest: O. Marmoush (26), oldest: M. El Shenawy (37)), while South Africa average 26.7 (youngest: M. Mbokazi (20), oldest: R. Williams (33)). Younger squads typically offer pace, energy, and pressing intensity, while experienced lineups bring composure, game management, and the ability to handle high-pressure moments.
Squad Depth
Egypt's starters average 6 league appearances each, versus 4 for South Africa. High appearance counts indicate an established, well-drilled unit that the manager trusts week in and week out. Lower figures may suggest rotation, injuries, or emerging players still earning their place in the team.
Substitutes
Substitutes
Coach: Molefi Petrus Ntseki
Recent Form
In their last 6 matches, Egypt have recorded 3 wins, 2 draws and 1 defeats. South Africa show 4 wins, 0 draws and 2 losses from their last 6 outings.
Egypt
South Africa
Egypt vs South Africa Head to Head Results
Egypt and South Africa have met 3 times — Egypt won 0, South Africa won 2, with 1 draws. Their rivalry dates back to 2019. South Africa leads the head-to-head with 2 victories from 3 meetings. A combined 7 goals have been scored across these fixtures, averaging 2.33 per match (2 for the home side, 5 for the visitors). Both teams scored in 2 matches (67%). Over 2.5 goals landed in 1 games (33%), making it a fixture that tends to produce goals. South Africa are currently unbeaten in the last 3 meetings. The highest-scoring encounter finished 1–3 in 2025.
0
Egypt
1
Drawn
2
South Africa
Recent Meetings (3)
API data: 15 Mar 2026