A heavyweight showdown in Agadir

The biggest clash of AFCON 2025 so far sees Egypt and South Africa looking for statement wins.

Both Egypt and South Africa came through with winning starts to their first games in AFCON 2025, against opposition who pushed them all the way.

Both Egypt and South Africa are in the running to become ultimate AFCON 2025 champions, the former for the eighth time, and the latter for the second.

Both Egypt and South Africa are going head-to-head on Friday in Agadir live on beIN SPORTS, in arguably the biggest match-up of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations so far.

Egypt’s stars deliver under pressure

Egypt was pushed all the way by Angola in the opening match for the Pharaohs, but it was the team’s two big hitters that delivered the 2-1 win. Manchester City forward, Omar Marmoush, scored only his second ever AFCON goal by hammering home the equalizing strike for Egypt, after Angola went into a shock lead.

Mohamed Salah delivered the injury-winner in a lively performance from the Liverpool forward who only had the one shot on target (converted) but created six chances for his teammates.

South Africa lean on Premier League quality

South Africa also relied on some Premier League pedigree to make the difference against dogged opponents in Bafana’s opening 2-1 against Zimbabwe. Burnley’s Lyle Foster provided an assist and the winner to see South Africa win its opening game in AFCON for just the first time since 2024.

Both teams are expected to move through to the knockout stages of AFCON 2025, however a win for either team on Friday would be a statement victory and a message for all other competitors in the race for 2025 Africa Cup of Nations glory.

When and where to watch

Friday December 26th
9:50AM ET / 6:50AM PT
Egypt vs. South Africa LIVE on beIN SPORTS