Egypt choose South Africa for October friendly after seeking strongest opposition

Egypt have reportedly chosen South Africa as their opponents for an international friendly in October after receiving requests from several African countries.

The Pharaohs will host Bafana Bafana in Cairo on 4 October, with both sides using the fixture as part of their preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Before the friendly, Egypt and South Africa will each play two qualifying matches in their respective groups.

Bafana Bafana are scheduled to host Guinea before travelling to face Kenya, while Egypt will welcome Angola before an away meeting with South Sudan.

Egyptian sports media personality Khaled El-Ghandour has now revealed the reasoning behind Egypt’s decision to face South Africa.

According to El Balad, Ghandour said on his programme Stad El-Mehwar that the Egyptian Football Association had received several requests from African nations for a friendly in October.

However, Egypt’s coaching staff, led by head coach Hossam Hassan, reportedly wanted to face the strongest available opposition.

South Africa ultimately emerged as the preferred choice, with Egypt impressed by Bafana Bafana’s recent achievements and the appointment of former Al Ahly coach Pitso Mosimane.

South Africa featured at the 2026 Fifa World Cup, while Mosimane’s return to the national team setup has added further interest to the fixture.

The identity of all the other countries that approached Egypt has not been disclosed, although Tanzania has reportedly expressed an interest in playing the Pharaohs.

That would mean South Africa were selected ahead of at least one other African nation, underlining the growing respect for Bafana Bafana on the continent.

The October meeting in Cairo will therefore provide both sides with an opportunity to test themselves against strong opposition ahead of their respective campaigns for the 2027 AFCON.