Egypt ended their international camp with a 1-0 defeat to South Africa in a friendly at Cairo International Stadium on Sunday, October 4, 2026.

The match saw Pitso Mosimane get the better of Hossam Hassan, while veteran goalkeeper El-Mahdy Soliman made history with his first appearance for the Pharaohs.

The defeat came after Egypt had played two competitive matches during the same international window.

They began with a goalless draw against Angola before securing an impressive 5-0 victory over South Sudan, collecting four points to lead Group B in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Despite starting with several established players, including Omar Marmoush, Emam Ashour, and Ibrahim Adel, Egypt struggled to turn their attacking chances into goals.

South Africa, meanwhile, took advantage of a defensive mistake to secure the victory.

One Mistake Decides It

Egypt started the match looking for an early goal and created several opportunities.

Omar Marmoush went close with a shot that narrowly missed the target, while Mohamed Hany attempted a powerful effort that sailed over the crossbar.

Ibrahim Adel also had an opportunity during the first half but failed to convert it.

South Africa remained organised defensively and looked to move the ball forward quickly whenever they regained possession.

The first half ended without goals, prompting Hossam Hassan to make an attacking change at halftime by bringing on Osama Faisal for Emam Ashour.

The decisive moment arrived in the 51st minute when South African forward Puso Dithejane took advantage of a poorly timed move off his line by Egyptian goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir.

Dithejane got past defender Hossam Abdel-Meguid before calmly finishing into the empty net.

Hassan responded by making further substitutions in search of an equaliser.

Ahmed Sayed Zizo and Hamza Abdelkarim entered the match in the 69th minute, replacing Marwan Attia and Omar Marmoush.

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Abdelkarim nearly brought Egypt level with a header that was saved by the South African goalkeeper.

Ibrahim Adel also struck the woodwork in the closing minutes, but the visitors held on to claim a 1-0 victory.

The result gave Mosimane another positive outcome against Hassan, with South Africa successfully protecting their narrow lead despite Egypt's attempts to respond.

A Historic Debut

Beyond the result, the match featured a special moment for Egyptian goalkeeper El-Mahdy Soliman, who replaced Mostafa Shobeir in the 77th minute to make his international debut at the age of 39 years, three months, and 26 days.

The Zamalek goalkeeper became the oldest player to make a first appearance for Egypt, breaking the previous record held by Hamada Tolba, who made his international debut at 34 years, six months, and two days.

Soliman also became the third-oldest player ever to represent Egypt, behind Essam El-Hadary and Hossam Hassan.

His appearance was a remarkable personal achievement despite the team's disappointing result.

Egypt played without captain Mohamed Salah and defender Mohamed Abdelmonem, who had left the national team camp following coordination with the coaching staff.

Haitham Hassan was also rested by the technical team.

Hossam Hassan started the match with Mostafa Shobeir in goal, supported by Mohamed Hany, Rami Rabia, Hossam Abdel-Meguid, and Karim Hafez in defence.

Marwan Attia, Mohanad Lasheen, and Emam Ashour formed the midfield, while Ibrahim Adel, Omar Marmoush, and Mostafa Ziko led the attacking line.

The defeat gives Egypt's coaching staff several areas to review, particularly defensive positioning against balls played behind the back line and the team's ability to convert scoring opportunities.

Egypt's performance was less effective than in their convincing victory over South Sudan, showing that there are still areas requiring improvement before their upcoming competitive matches.

Although the friendly defeat does not affect Egypt's points total in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, it provided another important test for Hossam Hassan.

Mosimane left Cairo with a victory, while El-Mahdy Soliman marked a historic moment in his career on an otherwise disappointing evening for the Pharaohs.