South Africa head coach Hugo Broos says his side must focus on beating Egypt as a collective rather than becoming fixated on stopping Mohamed Salah when the two teams meet in their Africa Cup of Nations group clash tomorrow. With both nations coming off opening-game victories, the encounter is shaping up to be one of the early highlights of the 2025 tournament.
Broos was quick to acknowledge Egypt’s attacking quality, naming Salah, Omar Marmoush and Mahmoud Trézéguet as players capable of changing a game in an instant. But the Belgian insisted that narrowing attention to one star would be a mistake. “They are such a good team,” he said. “Why should we focus on one player? We have to be prepared to beat the team.”
South Africa have impressed in recent months with their organisation and discipline, and Broos believes that collective strength will again be key. Rather than building a plan around stopping individual threats, he wants his players to trust their system, maintain belief and play with courage against one of Africa’s most decorated sides.
With qualification momentum at stake, the match offers Bafana Bafana a chance to measure themselves against a heavyweight opponent. For Broos, the message is clear: respect Egypt’s stars, but do not be overawed by them.
