Boxing Day 2025 serves up a continental heavyweight clash as Bafana Bafana takes on Egypt at the Stade Agadir. With both nations sitting on three points following opening-round victories, Friday’s winner will officially secure a ticket to the AFCON 2025 Round of 16.
The Postman vs. The Pharaoh
The game’s outcome likely rests on a single flank: Bafana Bafana’s left-back Aubrey Modiba versus Liverpool icon Mohamed Salah.
- The Mission: Modiba must neutralize arguably the greatest winger in African history.
- The Discipline Tightrope: Having picked up a yellow card against Angola, Modiba is one booking away from a suspension. He must play a “perfect” defensive game to avoid missing the final group clash against Zimbabwe.
- The Pedigree: Known as “Postman” for his reliable delivery, Modiba is no stranger to elite pressure. With 38 caps and an AFCON 2023 bronze medal, he has already successfully shackled the likes of Achraf Hakimi and Moses Simon.
The 2019 Miracle
South African fans will be drawing inspiration from the 2019 tournament, where Bafana Bafana famously dumped Egypt out on their own soil. In that 1-0 victory, left-back Sifiso Hlanti produced a defensive masterclass that kept Salah quiet for 90 minutes—a performance Modiba will be looking to replicate in Agadir.
Group B Standings & Form
| Team | Played | Points | Last Result |
| Egypt | 1 | 3 | 2-1 vs Zimbabwe |
| South Africa | 1 | 3 | 2-1 vs Angola |
Egypt enters the match following a dramatic late win fueled by a Salah injury-time strike, proving that the Pharaohs only need a second of brilliance to change a game.
