Egypt beat Bafana 1-0 to reach Afcon Round of 16

Egypt play against Bafana Bafana during the AFCON tournament in Morocco on December 26, 2025.

Bafana Bafana’s unbeaten run has come to an end. South Africa tasted defeat for the first time in 27 matches, beaten 1-0 by Egypt in an Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Group B match in Agadir, Morocco.

The Pharaohs’ superstar, Mo Salah, scored from the penalty spot after 45 minutes.

Although Bafana played against 10 men for the entire second half after Mohammed Hany received his marching orders after a second yellow card, the South Africans could not break down the Egyptian defense.

WATCH | Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has raised concerns about the rules at the Africa Cup of Nations currently underway in Morocco. His comments follow Bafana Bafana’s 1–0 loss to Egypt. He says the team’s focus now shifts to a must-win match against Zimbabwe next week. pic.twitter.com/Vp8UypxWns

— SABC News (@SABCNews) December 26, 2025

While the seven-time AFCON champions secured their spot in the Round of 16 with this win, Bafana will have another crack at qualification against Zimbabwe in Marrakesh on Monday.

A win will guarantee their place in the next round and a draw could even be enough.