AFCON 2025 (Gr. B): South Africa and Egypt ensure the essential
Group B of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations delivered its first lessons this Monday, December 22. Without shining, South Africa and Egypt both won their first matches with the same score (2-1). Precious but imperfect successes, which already announce a duel under high tension between the two favourites of the group.
Philemon MBALE · Author profile ·
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South Africa makes a statement
Winner of the AFCON in 1996, South Africa opened Group B against Angola, a notorious opponent but never victorious against the Bafana Bafana in the history of the competition. A respected statistic, not without difficulties. The South Africans took the lead after twenty minutes of play thanks to Appollis, who took advantage of an Angolan defence too attentive to open the scoring (21'). Far from disuniting, the Palancas Negras reacted with character. Overexcited, they were multiplying dangerous situations before being rewarded by Show, on receiving a free kick from Fredy (35').
At the end of the first period, Angola finished stronger, without managing to tip the game. But upon returning from the locker room, Patrice Beaumelle’s men were physically accusing the blow. South Africa was gaining power, obtaining several clear opportunities, touching the bar and pushing their opponent to the fault.
After a goal refused for offside, the deliverance finally came from Foster, author of a precise hit with his right foot that deceived Marques (79th). Despite a last Angolan push, the score was no longer evolving. The Bafana Bafana thus take the lead of the group before a much tougher test against Egypt.
Egypt is still relying on Salah
In the other meeting of the group, Egypt faced Zimbabwe with the status of favorite. But the Pharaohs quickly understood that their entry into the race would be anything but a formality. Uninhibited and well organized, the Warriors surprised the Egyptian defense and opened the score by Prince Dube from the 20th minute. A disaster scenario for the seven-time champion of Africa, long dominant but cruelly sterile.
The turning point came after the break, with a tactical readjustment embodied by the entry of Mostafa Mohamed. More incisive, Egypt finally found the gap thanks to Omar Marmoush, who scored a powerful shot to equalize (64'). While Zimbabwe thought it had a historic draw, Mohamed Salah left his reservation. In additional time, the Egyptian captain showed his sense of purpose and coolness to score the winning goal (90th+1). A liberating smile for a player in search of landmarks this club season, but still decisive with his selection.