Egypt friendly confirmed as Bafana Bafana begin Mosimane’s second spell

Bafana Bafana will face Egypt in Cairo on 4 October 2026, four days after completing their opening two 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers under returning coach Pitso Mosimane.

The international friendly has been arranged by the South African Football Association (SAFA) and will be played at Cairo International Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 20h00 South Africa time.

The match will be Mosimane’s first meeting with Egypt since returning for a second spell in charge of South Africa. The former Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly coach will begin his tenure with a home qualifier against Guinea on 26 September.

South Africa will then travel to face Eritrea on 30 September before heading to Egypt for the friendly four days later.

SAFA confirmed the fixture after receiving confirmation from the Egyptian Football Association.

“Bafana Bafana will face Egypt in an international friendly match to be played at Cairo International Stadium next month,” SAFA stated,

“The Egyptians have confirmed to the South African Football Association (SAFA) that the match will be played on 4 October 2026 and kickoff is at 20h00 South Africa time.”

SAFA president Dr Danny Jordaan welcomed the meeting with Egypt and said Mosimane’s previous work in the country could add extra interest to the contest.

Mosimane spent time in charge of Al Ahly, where he enjoyed a successful spell with the Egyptian club. His return to the Bafana Bafana job means he will now face a national side familiar with his methods and achievements in North Africa.

“Matches against Egypt are always tough and we do not expect anything less in this latest installment,” he stated.

“I think that coach Pitso’s return to Bafana Bafana will add another twist because they know him very well in the North African country. This will be another great test for both teams.”

The fixture gives South Africa an immediate high-profile test after the two Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. It also provides Egypt with an opportunity to prepare against a team led by a coach who previously worked at one of the country’s leading clubs.

Egypt reached the last 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where they were eliminated by Argentina. The Albiceleste progressed after coming from behind to complete a two-goal comeback.

The Egypt match is therefore the next confirmed fixture for Bafana Bafana after their opening qualifying assignments against Guinea and Eritrea. It will take place at the start of October, shortly after the side’s first competitive matches of Mosimane’s second stint.