Egypt and Zimbabwe will meet for the 16th time in international competition during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. However, the official tally may be considered 15 matches, as one result was annulled in 1993. This inter-regional rivalry has featured pivotal encounters in FIFA World Cup qualifiers and AFCON tournaments, with Egypt historically dominant but Zimbabwe playing spoiler in key moments.
1994 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers – CAF Group C
This qualifying campaign remains one of the most controversial and dramatic in African football history.
First Leg – 20 December 1992 (Harare): Zimbabwe 2–1 Egypt
- **Goals:** - Zimbabwe: Peter Ndlovu, Adam Ndlovu - Egypt: Hossam Hassan
Zimbabwe stunned Egypt with a spirited home win, led by the Ndlovu brothers.
Second Leg – 28 February 1993 (Cairo):** Egypt 2–1 Zimbabwe *(Annulled)
Annulment Reason: The match was annulled by FIFA due to crowd violence and unsafe conditions. Zimbabwe lodged a formal protest after objects were thrown at players and officials, and the match environment was deemed hostile and dangerous.
The match was played behind closed doors in Lyon. Egypt dominated possession but failed to capitalize on its chances. Zimbabwe’s goalkeeper Bruce Grobbelaar made several key saves, including a close-range stop from Ayman Mansour.
- **Notable Plays:** - Hossam Hassan missed a header from six yards. - Grobbelaar denied a curling effort from Magdy Abdelghani. - **Bookings:** - Egypt’s Ibrahim Hassan received a yellow card for dissent. - Zimbabwe’s Henry Musimwa was cautioned for time-wasting.
The draw allowed Zimbabwe to advance to the final round of CAF qualifying, denying Egypt a chance to reach consecutive World Cups after their appearance in 1990.
2014 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers – CAF Second Round
Egypt and Zimbabwe were drawn together in Group G.
First Leg – 26 March 2013 (Borg El Arab, Alexandria): Egypt 2–1 Zimbabwe
Salah’s hat-trick sealed a dominant away win. Egypt topped the group but fell short in the final playoff against Ghana.
Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Meetings
2004 AFCON – Group Stage (26 January 2004, Sfax, Tunisia): Egypt 2–1 Zimbabwe
- **Goals:** - Egypt: Ahmed Hassan, Abdelhalim Ali - Zimbabwe: Peter Ndlovu
Egypt secured a narrow win to advance from the group. Zimbabwe exited in the group stage.
2019 AFCON – Opening Match (21 June 2019, Cairo): Egypt 1–0 Zimbabwe
- **Goal:** Mahmoud Trezeguet (41')
Egypt opened the tournament with a win in front of a packed Cairo International Stadium. Zimbabwe impressed with their organization but couldn’t find an equalizer.
South Africa and Angola will meet for the 21st time in international competition during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. This Southern African rivalry has featured a mix of tournament clashes, qualifiers, and friendlies, with South Africa historically holding the upper hand. The fixture is known for its physical intensity, tactical battles, and regional pride.
Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Meetings
South Africa and Angola have met twice in the AFCON tournament proper:
2008 AFCON – Group Stage (23 January 2008, Tamale, Ghana)
- **Result:** South Africa 1–1 Angola - **Goals:** - Angola: Manucho Gonçalves (30') - South Africa: Elrio van Heerden (87')
Angola took the lead through a powerful header from Manucho, but South Africa equalized late with a curling strike from van Heerden. The match was marked by aggressive midfield duels and several bookings, including yellow cards for Angola’s Kali and South Africa’s Macbeth Sibaya. Neither team advanced from the group.
2013 AFCON – Group Stage (23 January 2013, Durban, South Africa)
- **Result:** South Africa 2–0 Angola - **Goals:** - South Africa: Siyabonga Sangweni (30'), Lehlohonolo Majoro (62')
South Africa dominated in front of a home crowd, with Sangweni scoring from a set piece and Majoro finishing a solo run. Angola struggled to contain South Africa’s pace and conceded multiple fouls, including a booking for midfielder Djalma Campos. The win helped South Africa top the group, while Angola was eliminated.
AFCON Qualifiers
South Africa and Angola have met in AFCON qualifying campaigns, most notably in the early 2000s:
2002 AFCON Qualifiers – Group Stage
- South Africa won both legs, including a 2–1 victory in Luanda and a 1–0 win in Johannesburg. - These results helped South Africa qualify for the 2002 AFCON, while Angola missed out.
FIFA World Cup Qualifiers
2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers – Second Round
First Leg – 13 November 2015 (Benguela, Angola): Angola 1–3 South Africa
Angola struck early through Gelson, but South Africa responded with two quick goals and sealed the win with a late penalty. Angola’s goalkeeper Landú received a yellow card for dissent, and the match saw six bookings in total.
Second Leg – 17 November 2015 (Durban, South Africa): South Africa 1–0 Angola
- **Goal:** Gabuza (67')
South Africa completed the sweep with a composed home win. Angola’s hopes of reaching the final qualifying round were dashed. South Africa advanced to the group stage of World Cup qualification, although they ultimately failed to qualify for Russia 2018.
Egypt and South Africa will meet for the 15th time in international competition during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. This inter-regional rivalry has featured high-stakes encounters in AFCON tournaments, qualifiers, and friendlies, often reflecting the contrasting footballing styles of North and Southern Africa.
Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Meetings
Egypt and South Africa have met three times in the AFCON tournament proper:
1996 AFCON – Quarterfinal (3 February 1996, Johannesburg)
- **Result:** South Africa 1–0 Egypt - **Goal:** Mark Williams (6')
South Africa, hosting the tournament for the first time, edged Egypt in a tightly contested match. The win propelled Bafana Bafana to the final, where they claimed their first and only African Cup of Nations title.
1998 AFCON – Group Stage (16 February 1998, Ouagadougou)
- **Result:** Egypt 2–0 South Africa - **Goals:** Hossam Hassan (2), Hazem Emam
Egypt dominated the group-stage clash, with Hassan’s brace leading the Pharaohs to a comfortable win. Egypt went on to win the tournament.
2019 AFCON – Round of 16 (6 July 2019, Cairo)
- **Result:** South Africa 1–0 Egypt - **Goal:** Thembinkosi Lorch (85')
In one of the biggest upsets of the tournament, South Africa stunned the host nation, Egypt, in front of over 75,000 fans at Cairo International Stadium. Lorch’s late goal capped a disciplined counter-attacking performance. Egypt, led by Mohamed Salah, was a favorite but struggled to break down South Africa’s compact defense. The result led to the resignation of Egypt’s coach, Javier Aguirre, and widespread criticism of the team’s performance.
2012 AFCON Qualifiers
Egypt and South Africa were drawn together in Group G of the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, alongside Niger and Sierra Leone. The campaign ended in shock for both giants:
- **First Leg – 26 March 2011 (Johannesburg):** South Africa 1–0 Egypt
- **Goal:** Katlego Mphela (90') - **Summary:** A last-minute winner gave South Africa a crucial edge in the group.
- **Second Leg – 5 June 2011 (Cairo):** Egypt 0–0 South Africa
- **Summary:** Egypt failed to capitalize at home, and the draw left them bottom of the group.
Niger topped the group and qualified for their first-ever AFCON. South Africa, despite finishing with 9 points, was eliminated due to a misunderstanding of CAF’s qualification rules. Egypt, the reigning three-time champions, finished last and missed the tournament for the first time since 1982.
Angola and Zimbabwe will meet for the 20th time in international competition during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. This Southern African rivalry has spanned decades, featuring competitive matches in FIFA World Cup qualifiers, AFCON qualifiers, and regional tournaments such as the COSAFA Cup. While Angola has enjoyed more success on the continental stage, Zimbabwe has consistently challenged their neighbors with spirited performances.
2006 FIFA World Cup & AFCON Qualifiers – CAF Group 4
Angola and Zimbabwe were drawn into Group 4 alongside Nigeria, Algeria, Rwanda, and Gabon. The group doubled as qualifiers for both the 2006 FIFA World Cup and the 2006 Africa Cup of Nations.
- **First Leg – 10 October 2004 (Luanda):** Angola 1–0 Zimbabwe
- **Goal:** Flávio Amado (53')
Angola secured a narrow home win thanks to a second-half strike from Flávio. The match was physical and tactically disciplined, with Angola’s defense holding firm against Zimbabwe’s attacking trio led by Peter Ndlovu.
- **Second Leg – 4 September 2005 (Harare):** Zimbabwe 2–0 Angola
- **Goals:** Cephas Chimedza, Benjani Mwaruwari
Zimbabwe responded with a confident home win, but Angola’s consistency across the campaign saw them top the group.
Angola shocked African football by finishing first in the group, ahead of favorites Nigeria, and qualified for their first-ever FIFA World Cup in Germany 2006. Zimbabwe, despite finishing third, qualified for the 2006 Africa Cup of Nations due to CAF’s rule allowing the top three teams from each group to reach the tournament.
Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Qualifiers
Angola and Zimbabwe have met multiple times in AFCON qualifying campaigns, including:
- **1994 AFCON Qualifiers:** Zimbabwe advanced after a win and a draw. - **2012 AFCON Qualifiers:** Angola won 2–1 at home; Zimbabwe won 3–1 in Harare. - **2021 AFCON Qualifiers:** Angola failed to qualify; Zimbabwe secured a spot in the finals.
COSAFA Cup Meetings
Angola and Zimbabwe have met **twice** in the COSAFA Cup:
- **2006 COSAFA Cup – Semifinal:** Zimbabwe 2–1 Angola
- **Summary:** Zimbabwe edged Angola in a dramatic semifinal, with Benjani Mwaruwari scoring the winner.
- **2018 COSAFA Cup – Plate Final:** Angola 1–0 Zimbabwe
- **Goal:** Vá - **Summary:** Angola claimed the Plate title with a composed performance, highlighting their depth and tactical discipline.
Egypt and Angola will meet for the eighth time in international competition during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. While Egypt has historically dominated the fixture (four wins and three draws), Angola has provided spirited performances, especially in tournament settings. Their meetings span AFCON finals, World Cup qualifiers, and friendlies, with several matches carrying historical significance.
Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Meetings
1996 AFCON – Group Stage - **Date:** 15 January 1996 - **Venue:** FNB Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa - **Result:** Egypt 2–1 Angola - **Goals:**
This match marked Angola’s debut at the Africa Cup of Nations, and Bodunha’s goal was the first-ever goal scored by Angola in an AFCON finals. Despite the loss, the goal was a historic moment for Angolan football. Egypt, led by the prolific Hossam Hassan, secured the win and progressed from the group.
- Egypt: Hosny Abd Rabo (23' PEN), Amr Zaki (38') - Angola: Manucho Gonçalves (27')
In a tightly contested quarterfinal, Angola equalized through a stunning strike by Manucho, but Egypt regained the lead before halftime. The Pharaohs held on to win and advanced to the semifinals, eventually claiming their sixth AFCON title. Angola’s performance, however, earned praise for its attacking flair and resilience.
FIFA World Cup Qualifiers
1994 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers – Group C - **First Leg – 11 October 1992 (Cairo):** Egypt 1–0 Angola - **Second Leg – 18 January 1993 (Luanda):** Angola 0–0 Egypt
Egypt topped the group and advanced to the final round of African qualifying. Angola, still developing on the international stage, showed defensive improvement in the second leg but failed to score in either match.
2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers – CAF Second Round - **First Leg – 1 September 2021 (Cairo):** Egypt 1–0 Angola
- **Goal:** Mohamed Magdy Afsha (5' PEN)
- **Second Leg – 12 November 2021 (Luanda):** Angola 2–2 Egypt
Egypt secured qualification to the final round of the CAF World Cup qualifiers with the draw in Luanda. Angola impressed with their attacking play but were unable to hold the lead. Egypt’s experience and composure under pressure proved decisive.
South Africa and Zimbabwe will meet for the 20th time in international competition during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. The fixture is one of southern Africa’s most politically and culturally resonant rivalries, shaped by regional pride, historical transitions, and competitive balance across multiple tournaments.
Historical Context
The first official meeting between South Africa and Zimbabwe took place on 16 August 1992 in Harare, during the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. This match was historically significant as it marked **South Africa’s first competitive international fixture** since being readmitted to FIFA in 1991. The country had been banned from international football for decades due to its apartheid policies.
- **Result:** Zimbabwe 4–1 South Africa - **Venue:** National Sports Stadium, Harare - **Goals:**
- Zimbabwe: Peter Ndlovu, Henry Musimwa, Adam Ndlovu, Vitalis Takawira - South Africa: Doctor Khumalo
Zimbabwe dominated the match, showcasing their attacking depth and regional supremacy. South Africa, still rebuilding its football infrastructure, struggled defensively but gained valuable experience. The match symbolized a new era for South African football, which would culminate in their hosting and winning the 1996 AFCON.
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Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers
1994 AFCON Qualifiers
- **First Leg (16 August 1992, Harare):** Zimbabwe 4–1 South Africa - **Second Leg (24 April 1993, Johannesburg):** South Africa 1–1 Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe advanced to the final round of qualifying, though neither team qualified for the 1994 AFCON.
2023 AFCON Qualifiers
Zimbabwe was disqualified due to FIFA suspension; South Africa qualified for the tournament.
FIFA World Cup Qualifiers
South Africa and Zimbabwe have met **four times** in FIFA World Cup qualifying campaigns:
- **2002 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers – Group Stage**
- **First Leg (9 July 2000, Harare):** South Africa 2–0 Zimbabwe - **Second Leg (5 May 2001, Johannesburg):** South Africa 2–1 Zimbabwe - **Outcome:** South Africa topped the group and qualified for the 2002 World Cup in Korea/Japan.
- **2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers – Group Stage**
- **First Leg (3 September 2021, Harare):** Zimbabwe 0–0 South Africa - **Second Leg (11 November 2021, Johannesburg):** South Africa 1–0 Zimbabwe - **Goal:** Teboho Mokoena - **Outcome:** South Africa narrowly missed out on advancing to the final round, finishing second behind Ghana on goal difference.
- **2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers – Ongoing**
- South Africa and Zimbabwe are in the same qualifying group. - A recent goalless draw between the two sides reignited tensions, with Zimbabwe already eliminated and South Africa needing a win in their final match to secure qualification.
Cultural and Political Resonance
This rivalry carries deep regional significance. Zimbabwe’s early dominance in the 1990s reflected its established footballing pedigree, while South Africa’s rise post-apartheid brought new energy and investment into the sport. Matches between the two nations often draw large crowds and intense media coverage, reflecting broader social and political narratives.
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