SAFA Confirms Bafana Bafana to Face Egypt in Cairo Friendly on 4 October
The South African Football Association (SAFA) has confirmed that Bafana Bafana will face Egypt in an international friendly at Cairo International Stadium next month. The fixture is set for 4 October 2026, with kickoff scheduled for 20h00 South Africa time.
This announcement comes as Bafana Bafana prepare for a demanding September schedule. The team will begin their AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign against Guinea at home on 26 September 2026, before traveling to Eritrea on 30 September 2026. The clash against Egypt will round off a busy run of fixtures.
SAFA President Dr Danny Jordaan emphasised the difficulty of the upcoming match. “Matches against Egypt are always tough and we do not expect anything less in this latest installment,” he said on the SAFA website. His remarks underline the respect South Africa holds for one of Africa’s most successful footballing nations.
Jordaan also pointed to the added intrigue surrounding the fixture. “I think that coach Pitso’s return to Bafana Bafana will add another twist because they know him very well in the North African country,” he explained. Mosimane’s history with Egyptian football, particularly his successful tenure at Al Ahly, ensures the encounter will carry extra narrative weight.
The SAFA president concluded by stressing the broader significance of the clash. “This will be another great test for both teams,” Jordaan noted, highlighting the value of such high-profile friendlies in preparing Bafana Bafana for their AFCON journey.
The rivalry between South Africa and Egypt has long been one of Africa’s most compelling. News of the fixture was met with excitement in Cairo, where fans anticipate another dramatic encounter. Their last meeting, in December 2025, ended in controversy as Bafana Bafana fell 1-0 to a 10-man Egypt in a fiery Africa Cup of Nations Group B clash in Morocco.
For South Africa, the Cairo clash is more than just a warm-up. It is a chance to measure themselves against elite opposition, test tactical combinations, and build momentum ahead of crucial qualifiers. Facing Egypt will provide valuable insight into the squad’s readiness for continental competition.
As anticipation builds, supporters are eager to see how Bafana Bafana respond to the challenge. The friendly against Egypt is not only about rivalry but also about preparation, pride, and proving that South Africa can stand tall against Africa’s best.