Egypt to Play South Africa in Friendly as Hassan Reshuffles Lineup

Egypt's national team meets South Africa in a friendly at Cairo International Stadium on Sunday, as coach Hossam Hassan tests new players.

• Egypt faces South Africa on Sunday, October 4, 2026, at 9 PM at Cairo International Stadium, with the match broadcast on ON Sport channels.
• Egypt tops its AFCON 2027 qualifying group with 4 points after a draw with Angola and a 5-0 win over South Sudan.
• Coach Hossam Hassan decided to start Karim Hafez at left-back instead of Ahmed Fotouh, who suffered a thigh bruise against South Sudan.
• Hassan will meet his assistant staff before the final training session to set the final lineup.
• Egypt will be without Mohamed Salah and Mohamed Abdelmonem, with Mahdi Soliman in goal and Rami Rabia anchoring the defense.
• South Africa's Teboho Mokoena and Bathusi Auba are ruled out through injury, prompting coach Pitso Mosimane to make wholesale changes.
• Momen Hassan will provide commentary for the match on On Sport channels.
• Pitso Mosimane appealed to South Africa fans to be patient and supportive, calling the friendly the players' only chance to prove themselves.
• Mosimane confirmed he will keep veteran forward Themba Zwane as a key figure during South Africa's squad renewal.
• Mosimane gave five professional players their opportunity this window, including rising talent Relebohile Mofokeng.
• South Africa enters the friendly after beating Guinea and Eritrea in the qualifiers, scoring seven goals.
• Hossam Hassan decided to rest Haitham Hassan from Sunday's friendly against South Africa due to injury, on the medical staff's recommendation.