Egypt looking to redeem themselves against Malawi after loss to South Africa in October 4 international friendly

* The Pharaohs are at top of the group on 4 points, level with Angola, whom they drew 0-0 with in opening match

* The Flames, beaten 3-1 by Angola on October 6 are 3rd with 3 points off South Sudan’s 2-1 victory

By Duncan Mlanjira

Egypt, who were beaten 1-0 by South Africa in an international friendly match on October 4 2026 at the Cairo International Stadium, are reported to be set to redeem themselves when they face Malawi Flames in the Africa Cup of Nations (AfCON) Pamoja 2027.

In their back-to-back clashes, the Pharaohs will first host the Flames at the same Cairo International Stadium on November 13 before the second leg scheduled for Bingu National Stadium on November 17.

And as preparations to test the playing style of a COSAFA side, the Pharaohs dated Bafana Bafana.

Under new coach, Pitso Mosimane, the South Africans triumphed through a goal by Puso Dithejane in the 51st.

The Pharaohs have now tested strengths and weaknesses of COSAFA sides having drawn 0-0 with Angola in their opening match of the AfCON Pamoja 2027.

The Pharaohs are at top of Group B on 4 points, level with Angola, whom they drew 0-0 with in opening match before beating South Sudan 5-0 away.

Angola beat the Flames 3-1 on October 6 while Malawi are 3rd with 3 points off South Sudan’s 2-1 victory on October 6 at home, Bingu National Stadium.

According to Egyptian online, Koora Break, Egypt will be looking “to strengthen their grip at the top spot and move closer to securing a place at the finals”.

“Egypt are preparing to return to competitive action following the conclusion of their October camp, which included a friendly defeat to South Africa at Cairo International Stadium.

“The result ended head coach Hossam Hassan’s unbeaten record at the venue. The loss to South Africa was Hassan’s sixth since taking charge of the national team.

“His previous defeats came against Croatia, Uzbekistan, Senegal, Brazil and Argentina.

“The Egyptian coach has recorded 20 wins and 12 draws during his time in charge of the Pharaohs, according to the available statistics,” says the publication.

After the disappointing defeat to Angola, which came after an unsatisfactory 2-1 win over beatable South Sudan, Flames’ coach Kalisto Pasuwa indicated that all is not lost — hinting that there are several matches still to be played.

After the forthcoming back-to-back clashes, the Flames will return to action in March 2027 for Matchday 5 against South Sudan and conclude the group campaign with a home match against Angola during Matchday 6 — with both fixtures scheduled between March 22-30, 2027.

Two teams will qualify for the Pamoja 2027 to be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, which means the Flames cannot afford to drop all three points in each of the next four matches.