Egypt's Lifted Spirits Set for AFCON Showdown with South Africa
25 December 2025
Egypt's boost ahead of South Africa clash
Egypt's national team received a strong boost in their final training session ahead of Friday's showdown with South Africa, the second match of Group B in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, currently taking place in Morocco, home of the tournament.
Egypt grabbed a thrilling 2-1 win over Zimbabwe, while South Africa also defeated Angola by the same score tonight.
Key returns and squad plans
Mostafa Mohamed, Nantes' striker, and Mohamed Hamdi, left-back for Pyramids, played after full readiness to boost selection options.
The duo had complained of injuries after Zimbabwe, and were absent from training on Wednesday; however, their readiness was confirmed after taking part in the latest session.
Hany Abu Rida, head of the Egyptian federation, attended the session and held a quick talk with manager Hossam Hassan, urging the squad to win their second successive match to secure a place in the knockout rounds and keep hopes alive.
Hossam Hassan also gave specific instructions to Ahmed Mustafa 'Zizo' during the drills, hinting that the winger could start against South Africa if fitness stays on track this time.
Sniper-style punchlines to end: 1) Our offense is so precise, even the net says 'ouch'; 2) If patience were a weapon, Egypt just unlocked a laser sight.
