While it is only the second round of group fixtures, the significance of this encounter is already clear. The winner could well put one hand on top spot in the group, and with it a potentially more favourable draw when the tournament moves into the knockout stages.

South Africa head into the contest on the back of a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Angola in Marrakech, a result that laid down an early marker. Egypt, meanwhile, were forced to dig deep in their opener, with Liverpool talisman Mohamed Salah popping up with a dramatic 90th-minute winner to secure a 2–1 win over Zimbabwe in Agadir. The seven-time champions remain the most successful nation in AFCON history and, as ever, arrive with pedigree and pressure.

Lyle Foster in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers against Lesotho - Morgan Piek

While much of South Africa - and indeed the rest of the world - spent Christmas Day with loved ones, Bafana Bafana were all business. Hugo Broos’ charges put in the hard yards during their captain’s run in Agadir as they fine-tuned preparations for what promises to be a blockbuster encounter.

Head coach Hugo Broos, who is guiding Bafana at the continental showpiece for the final time, was under no illusions about the challenge that awaits his side. He warned that Egypt are always a formidable opponent and even more dangerous with their current crop of attacking stars.

“We all know what kind of team Egypt is - they are a very good side,” said Broos. “They are seven-time AFCON winners and record holders, and that means something.

“They also have some amazing players like Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush. So we know them well, but on the other hand we are confident. We are really looking forward to playing this game.”

Confidence is also flowing through the playing group. Bafana striker Lyle Foster, who scored the winning goal against Angola and walked away with the Man of the Match award, said the camp is buzzing after a positive start to the tournament.

Mo Salah scoring against Zimbabwe - X

“Merry Christmas to everyone,” Foster said with a smile. “The morale in the camp is really good.

“As the coach said, the first game was very important for us and getting maximum points helped a lot going into the rest of the tournament. The spirit has always been high, and now we’re confident and ready for the next game.”

Friday’s Group B action gets underway at 14:30, when Angola and Zimbabwe face off in Marrakech. The headline fixture between South Africa and Egypt will follow at the Le Grand Stade d’Agadir, with kick-off scheduled for 17:00.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport