Pitso Mosimane’s South Africa face Egypt test with injuries mounting

Pitso Mosimane’s return as South Africa manager faces its sternest examination yet when Bafana Bafana take on Egypt in Cairo on Sunday, with several key players doubtful or unavailable.

South Africa ended their first two matches of the AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign with maximum points, beating Guinea 2-1 four days before a 5-0 victory over Eritrea on 30 September. However, Mosimane must now assess the fitness of a number of players before the international window concludes.

Bafana Bafana are unbeaten and have established a sizeable lead in their group. Only one other team will qualify alongside co-hosts Kenya, making South Africa’s strong start particularly significant. The team have impressed both in attack and defence and are well placed ahead of two further qualifying fixtures later this year.

Egypt’s position is less secure. They remain narrowly top of their group but could fall to second place after Malawi play Angola on 6 October. The Pharaohs drew 0-0 with Angola in Cairo on 25 September before responding with a 5-0 win against South Sudan.

Injury concerns for both teams

Teboho Mokoena and Aubrey Modiba are doubtful for the match after missing the win over Eritrea. Bathusi Aubaas suffered an early injury in that game and is expected to be absent for longer.

Mosimane is already operating with a reduced squad because Khuliso Mudau, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Lyle Foster and Evidence Makgopa are unavailable. South Africa have adapted effectively so far, but a meeting with Egypt on home soil will provide a more demanding test for a relatively youthful side.

Mohamed Salah’s availability is the main issue surrounding Egypt. Reports from the Pharaohs’ camp have been inconsistent, while coach Hossam Hassan said the veteran right winger missed the South Sudan qualifier for personal reasons.

The latest update suggests Salah is being given time to rest before returning to Trabzonspor in Turkey, where he plays domestically after leaving Liverpool. Hassan is also without Mohamed El-Shenawy, Yasser Ibrahim and Mahmoud Trezeguet because of injuries.

Recent meetings and form

South Africa have won their past two matches, against Eritrea and Guinea, while Egypt’s recent results include the draw with Angola and the 5-0 victory over South Sudan.

The Pharaohs lost 2-3 to Argentina in a contentious 2026 World Cup Round of 16 match. They defeated Australia 1-1 on penalties in the Round of 32 and drew with Iran in their final group-stage fixture.

Bafana Bafana were eliminated from the World Cup by a 0-1 defeat by Canada, having reached the knockout stage after a 1-0 upset win over South Korea. They also drew with the Czech Republic in the group stage on the way to a historic finish.

South Africa hold the edge in the recent head-to-head record, with three wins, one draw and one defeat in the past five meetings. Egypt won the 2026 AFCON group-stage meeting 1-0, avenging a 3-1 loss in the 2024 African Nations Championship qualification. The first leg of those qualifiers ended 1-1.

Bafana Bafana also beat Egypt in the AFCON 2019 Round of 16 and won a September 2016 friendly international 1-0.

Despite South Africa’s encouraging start under Mosimane, concerns remain about their attacking output. Egypt have appeared less convincing in qualifying but remain a major force in African football.

With South Africa potentially resting players and several notable names absent, the match could be closely contested. The prediction is a 1-1 draw in Cairo before the international window ends and domestic football resumes.