Originally scheduled for Friday, the match had been postponed to Sunday at 17h00 due to visa delays for the Egyptian team, as confirmed by the South African Football Association (SAFA). The encounter will take place at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein, with the return leg set for March 9 in Egypt.

This CHAN qualifier pits two sides against each other in a tournament reserved for locally-based players, with the winner advancing toward the 2025 finals hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda from August 2-30.

Ntseki stepped in for Helman Mkhalele, who had been slated to lead the team but had been reassigned to assist Hugo Broos with the senior Bafana Bafana squad for upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Benin.

SAFA technical committee chair Jack Maluleke explained Ntseki's appointment, stating, "Coach Ntseki was there because he had been in the system… we had needed somebody who could step in because this had been an urgent matter."

Last Five Meetings Between South Africa and Egypt

While CHAN-specific encounters are rare—Egypt have yet to qualify for the tournament—these nations have a competitive history in senior international football:

July 6, 2019–AFCON Round of 16 (Cairo): South Africa shocked Egypt 1-0, with Thembinkosi Lorch's late strike eliminating the hosts.

November 17, 2016–Friendly (Johannesburg): South Africa edged Egypt 1-0, thanks to Thabo Mnyamane's goal.

January 25, 2017-AFCON Group Stage (Gabon): Egypt won 1-0, with Mohamed Salah proving the difference.

June 6, 2010–Friendly (Cairo): Egypt secured a 1-0 victory in a World Cup warm-up.

October 11, 2008–World Cup Qualifier (Cairo): Egypt dominated with a 3-0 win.

South Africa have had the edge in recent knockout and friendly matches (2 wins in the last 5), but Egypt's pedigree in African football remains formidable.

Team News and Key Figures

Ntseki, assisted by South Africa U-20 coach Raymond Mdaka, took charge of a squad that had assembled in Johannesburg on Wednesday before traveling to Bloemfontein.

The team features a mix of out-of-favor Betway Premiership stars and promising youngsters, including: Neo Maema (Mamelodi Sundowns): A creative midfielder whose vision could unlock Egypt's defence. Sundowns have been a dominant force in South African football.

Monnapule Saleng (Orlando Pirates): A dynamic winger capable of turning games with his pace. Pirates have relied on his flair in recent seasons.

Bongani Sam (Kaizer Chiefs): A dependable left-back whose experience will be vital. Chiefs have seen him as a steady presence.

Egypt's squad details are less publicized, but their domestic league boasts talents like Al Ahly's Ahmed Nabil Koka, a midfielder with excellent passing range, and Zamalek's Zizo, a forward known for his goal-scoring instincts—if included.

Al Ahly and Zamalek have been powerhouses in Egyptian football. The Pharaohs' CHAN coach remains unconfirmed, though it had likely been an assistant or youth coach under senior boss Hossam Hassan.

South Africa have historically struggled to field competitive CHAN teams, often relying on late coaching appointments like Ntseki's.

Egypt, meanwhile, aim to break their CHAN qualification duck, leveraging their strong domestic league. The visa delay, as SAFA had noted, stemmed from Egypt's difficulties securing travel documents, prompting the shift to Sunday: "The North Africans had requested the postponement when it had become apparent they would only receive the documents on the day of the match."

With Ntseki stepping into the breach, Maluleke had highlighted his suitability: "After the NEC had endorsed Ntseki to head technical development… we had requested him to assist on a temporary basis." The Bafana squad, featuring players like Kutlwano Letlhaku (Mamelodi Sundowns) and Sphamandla Gumede (Orlando Pirates), will look to capitalize on home support to secure an edge before the Cairo return leg.

Expect a cagey affair as South Africa test Egypt's resolve. A narrow 1-0 win for Bafana could be on the cards if Maema and Saleng exploit gaps, but Egypt's domestic stars won't go down without a fight.

Preview: South Africa face tricky Egypt in CHAN qualifier first leg