AFCON 2025: Broos Unfazed by Egyptian Stars Salah and Marmoush Before South Africa Duel

Coach Hugo Broos has expressed that South Africa does not fear the Egyptian Premier League players, Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush, as they prepare for the Group B match in the Africa Cup of Nations this Friday.

In Egypt’s opening match held in Morocco on Monday, Manchester City forward Marmoush equalized against Zimbabwe, followed by a late winner from Liverpool’s Salah, securing a 2-1 victory.

South Africa also won their Group B opener, defeating Angola 2-1 with a spectacular goal from Lyle Foster.

South Africa’s Belgian coach, Broos, stated that he will not employ a special strategy to counteract Salah or Marmoush.

“We are focused on no one. The most important thing is the team,” Broos remarked in a Thursday press conference. He previously led Cameroon to victory over Egypt in the 2017 edition of the tournament.

Broos emphasized, “We all know how good Salah, Marmoush, and Trezeguet are, along with their other players. They are an excellent team. Why should we focus on just one player? We need to be prepared to defeat the entire team.”

The last encounter between the two teams in the AFCON tournament favored South Africa, as they defeated the host nation of the 2019 edition with a 1-0 win in the Round of 16.

Broos added, “We have to challenge Egypt by putting them in difficult situations, which can only be achieved by utilizing our quality and regular players.”

Published on December 26, 2025.