Reviewed by Shihaam IsaacsSouth Africa sports betting writer
Published 8 October 2026
South Africa beat Egypt 1-0 at the Cairo International Stadium on Sunday 4 October, a run of three victories in a row.
Puso Dithejane scored early in the second half of an international friendly. It was the third win since Pitso Mosimane returned as coach.
The side Mosimane put out
South Africa started Sipho Chaine in goal with Thabang Matuludi, Ime Okon, Lebone Seema, Fawaaz Basadien, Sphephelo Sithole, Brooklyn Poggenpoel, Tashreeq Matthews, Luther Singh, Cassius Mailula and Puso Dithejane.
The three wins
The run began at the Orlando Stadium on Saturday 26 September, where South Africa beat Guinea 2-1. Ime Okon and Samukele Kabini scored, Seydouba Cisse equalised for Guinea and Kabini got the winner in the 77th minute.
Then came a 5-0 win against Eritrea at the Al-Salam Stadium in Cairo on Wednesday 30 September. Both of those were 2027 Africa Cup of Nations Group D qualifiers. Egypt was not.
What Group D asks of them
CAF drew a total of 48 teams, including the three host nations, into twelve groups of four for the qualifiers, under a format in which the top two teams in each group qualify for the final tournament.
Group D is not a straightforward two from four. Kenya are in it and have already qualified automatically as a host, so in CAF’s own terms only the highest placed side among South Africa, Guinea and Eritrea will join Kenya at PAMOJA 2027.
After matchday 2 CAF had South Africa leading the group with 6 points, Guinea on 3 and Kenya and Eritrea on one each.
Our South Africa sports news page carries the group as it fills in, and AXN Sports follows the qualifying groups across the continent.
