Egypt and South Africa level at half-time in Cairo international friendly

Egypt and South Africa were goalless at half-time in their international friendly at Cairo International Stadium on Sunday, 04 October 2026.

Egypt made the stronger start and came close to taking the lead inside the opening 10 minutes. Omar Marmoush worked his way into the penalty area but sent his shot narrowly wide of the upright.

South Africa struggled to make progress into the final third during the early stages and did not threaten until around the 20-minute mark. Thabang Matuludi then found space in a promising position, although his final delivery failed to find a team-mate.

Matuludi remained a key outlet for Bafana Bafana and produced their best chance of the half seven minutes before the interval. The Mamelodi Sundowns player met the ball first time, but his effort flew just inches over the crossbar.

That was South Africa’s clearest opportunity before the break. Egypt created the majority of the attacking pressure, while South Africa goalkeeper Sipho Chaine was required to make a couple of straightforward saves.

Coach Pitso Mosimane made nine changes to the team that started against Eritrea, with Ime Okon and Sphephelo Sithole the only players to retain their places. Puso Dithejane was handed his debut.

South Africa started with Chaine, Okon, Seema, Matuludi, Basadien, Sithole, Poggenpoel, Matthews, Dithejane, Singh and Mailula.

The South Africa substitutes were Williams, Rayners, Mbuthuma, Zwane, Campbell, Moremei, Kabini, Morena, Makhanya, Ndamane, Sibisi and Goss.

Egypt lined up with Shobeir, Hany, Abdel Meguid, Rabia, Karim, Mohannad, Marwan, Emam, Ibrahim, Marmoush and Ziko.