Seven-time champions Egypt and South Africa head into the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations as favourites in a competitive Group B, but Zimbabwe legend Matthew Rusike has warned that the margin for error will be slim.
Group B brings together continental heavyweights Egypt and Bafana Bafana alongside Zimbabwe and Angola, two sides still chasing their first AFCON title.
History and recent form point to Egypt and South Africa as the teams to beat, yet Rusike insists the group is far from settled.
“It’s never an easy group for any nation, it’s tight, you know African football, anything can happen during the tournament,” Rusike told KickOff.com.
Zimbabwe and Angola have the quality to challenge in Group B, making it a group where no team can afford to underestimate another.
“Zimbabwe do have a good team that can challenge. Angola can also give you a tough run, so it is a group where no one should underestimate another one,” he said.
Egypt’s depth of Europe-based talent gives them a clear edge, while South Africa’s resurgence under coach Hugo Broos, built on a strong PSL core from Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates,has made Bafana one of the most balanced sides at the tournament.
On paper, Egypt and South Africa lead the race. In reality, Group B could deliver one of AFCON’s earliest shake-ups.
“But the reality is that Egypt and South Africa are the most favourite from the group because Egypt has many players who are playing abroad in big leagues and can pose a challenge.
“On the other side, Bafana Bafana have been doing well, they did exceptionally well in both the World Cup and the AFCON qualifiers,” explained the former Cape Town City striker.
“South Africa has good players, who are doing well in the PSL, they know how to win with local players, more especially from Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates. Actually, Bafana are one of the top teams in the whole tournament.
“But, without underestimating South Africa, in Group B, Egypt appear to be the most favourite to win the group. But I will always support my country, Zimbabwe to go and show that they can do the job.”
Egypt are tipped as favourites to top Group B, but Zimbabwe will back themselves to compete, with the opening fixtures against Egypt and Angola expected to set the tone for a tightly contested group.
