Bafana Bafana’s **Afcon 2025** run goes into a higher gear on **Friday, 26 December.** **Egypt** will be waiting in **Agadir** as hosts at **17:00**.
We expect an exciting opening game between two teams already on three points. A win for either will guarantee a spot in the **last 16**.
Many eyes will be on one particular individual battle. Bafana Bafana’s **Aubrey Modiba** will come face-to-face with Egyptian superstar **Mohamed Salah**.
The Mamelodi Sundowns defender faces a demanding job. He is expected to take care of Africa’s greatest ever winger. Modiba will also need to manage his discipline after picking up a yellow card in the win over Angola.
Another booking against Egypt would see him miss the final group match against Zimbabwe on **29 December**.
**Does Aubrey Modiba have the experience?**
Modiba has shown before that he can step up in big moments. With over **38 caps** and a **bronze medal** from **Afcon 2023**, he is a trusted figure in **Hugo Broos**’ setup. He was ever-present at the last tournament, starting all seven matches as Bafana Bafana produced a strong defensive run, including four consecutive clean sheets.
The player known as “Postman,” due to his ability to always deliver, previously held his own against top attackers such as **Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi**, **Nigeria’**s **Moses Simon** and **Theo Bongonda** of **DR Congo**.
Looking back on matchday one, **Egypt edged Zimbabwe 2-1** in their opener, and as expected, it was Salah who made the difference, scoring a dramatic injury-time winner to rescue the Pharaohs.
Bafana Bafana, meanwhile, also claimed a [2-1 win over Angola](https://www.thesouthafrican.com/sport/soccer/bafana-bafana/appollis-and-foster-fire-bafana-bafana-to-winning-afcon-start/).
**WHAT HAPPENED IN THE LAST MEETING?**
Friday’s game revives memories of **Afcon 201**9, when Mzansi stunned hosts **Egypt 1-0 in Cairo** thanks to **Thembinkosi Lorch**’s late strike.
Former **Bafana Bafana** left-back **Sifiso Hlanti** did a job on the Liverpool star, offering a possible blueprint for Modiba.