By Angu Lesley
Football Writer,kick442.com-Cameroon
Pitso Mosimane returns to familiar territory on Sunday when South Africa face Egypt in a highly anticipated international friendly at the Cairo International Stadium. The Bafana Bafana coach knows the city and its football culture better than most, having spent a hugely successful spell in charge of Al Ahly. This time, though, he returns as the man in the opposite dugout, preparing South Africa for a meeting with the Pharaohs.
Mosimane remains an Al Ahly legend. During his time with the Cairo giants, he guided them to consecutive CAF Champions League titles in 2020 and 2021 and two successive FIFA Club World Cup bronze medals. His achievements made him one of the most successful foreign coaches in the club’s history, and his warm reception during a recent visit to Al Ahly underlined the relationship he still enjoys with the Egyptian giants.
On the other side will be Egypt coach Hossam Hassan, another major figure in Egyptian football. Hassan has been tasked with leading the Pharaohs into a new era and has already seen his team produce an impressive response during the current international window. After being held to a goalless draw by Angola, Egypt bounced back in style with a 5-0 victory over South Sudan in their AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign.
One of the biggest talking points ahead of the game, however, is the absence of Mohamed Salah. The Liverpool superstar will not feature for Egypt in Sunday’s friendly, meaning Hossam Hassan will have to look elsewhere for the attacking spark normally provided by his captain. Salah’s absence takes away one of the biggest attractions from the fixture, but Egypt still have plenty of quality and will want to make a strong impression in front of their home supporters.
South Africa also arrive in good spirits. Mosimane’s side began their AFCON qualifying campaign with a 2-0 victory over Guinea before following it up with a convincing 5-0 win against Eritrea. Seven goals without conceding in their opening two matches is an encouraging start for a coach who is looking to rebuild Bafana Bafana into a serious force on the continent.
The game therefore carries plenty of intrigue beyond its friendly status. It is Hossam Hassan against Mosimane, Egypt against South Africa, and, for Mosimane, another emotional return to a country where he built one of the strongest chapters of his coaching career. The Al Ahly supporters may still hold him close to their hearts, but when the whistle goes at the Cairo International Stadium, Mosimane will be hoping his current team can spoil the Pharaohs’ party.
French 
English