Egypt Coach Relives Historic Feat Shared With Benni McCarthy as He Welcomes ‘One Style’ South Africa

Egypt coach Hossam Hassan is unfazed by South Africa as his team prepares to face Bafana Bafana in their second group match at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Agadir on Friday.

Hassan knows South Africa too well as he was part of the Egypt team that faced Bafana Bafana in the AFCON 1998 when they beat them 2-0 in the final to win that year’s title.

During that tournament, Hassan was the Egypt captain and led them to AFCON glory while he also won an individual accolade when he shared the Golden Boot award with South Africa’s Benni McCarthy after both forward scored seven goals.

PAY ATTENTION: Follow us on Google News, Stay informed with Latest Sport News

Now, the 59-year-old says there is no reason to fear South Africa as they are a team that plays a similar style to their clubs which feature regularly in continental competitions against Egyptian sides as he knows how to handle them.

“The South African style of play is like the clubs, one style, but we are ready," Hassan said during his pre-match press conference.

"We have faced their clubs, represented by Al-Ahly, Zamalek and Pyramids, more than once, and we were superior to South Africa in 1998, and God willing, we will repeat this.

“We respect all teams, and South Africa are among the strong sides, but we play to achieve positive results and to collect the three points. Every match is important.”

South Africa are unbeaten against Egypt in their last six meetings, winning four and drawing two. They eliminated the Pharaohs from AFCON 2019 when the North Africans hosted the tournament.

Overall, both sides have faced off 10 times and South Africa have five wins, three for Egypt while two ended in draws. Both teams come into Friday’s match after winning their opening games 2-1, Egypt beating Zimbabwe while South Africa silenced Angola.