The match is of great importance, as it is the “partnership break” at the top of the group, which also includes Zimbabwe and Angola, as the winner of this clash will officially guarantee his place in the eighth final, and go a long way towards securing first place.

The “Pharaohs” had begun their journey with a dramatic victory over Zimbabwe (2-1), thanks to a brace from Omar Marmoush and captain Mohamed Salah, who snatched the winning goal at the fatal time.

With the same result, the South African team, champion of the continent in 1996 and winner of the bronze medal in the last edition in 2023 in Côte d’Ivoire, began its campaign by defeating Angola by two goals to one.

Technical readings from within the Egyptian national team camp indicate that technical director Hossam Hassan is heading to make a single amendment to the starting lineup with which he started the opening match.

It is expected that the “Brigadier” will mainly push striker Mustafa Mohamed to lead the front line at the expense of Imam Ashour, out of a desire to increase the attacking intensity and early pressure.

Mustafa Mohamed participated as a substitute in the match against Zimbabwe in the 34th minute at the expense of Imam Ashour.

In a related context, the Egyptian Football Association reassured the fans about the readiness of the duo, Mostafa Mohamed and Mohamed Hamdy, as the medical staff confirmed their full recovery from the minor injuries they sustained in the last match, and they became at the disposal of the technical staff to fight Friday’s battle.

Egypt’s lineup against South Africa is expected to be as follows:

Goalkeeper: Mohamed El-Shenawy

Defense: Mohamed Hani – Yasser Ibrahim – Hossam Abdel Majeed – Mohamed Hamdy.

Midfield: Marwan Attia – Hamdi Fathi – Mahmoud Hassan “Trezeguet”.

Attack: Mohamed Salah – Mustafa Mohamed – Omar Marmoush.

The Egyptian national team is seeking to win the continental title for the eighth time in its history and the first since the 2010 edition, in order to strengthen its record as the team with the most wins in the ancient competition, the first edition of which began in 1957.

Source: RT