South Africa coach Pitso Mosimane believes the recent protests in Egypt could work in his country's favour during two upcoming matches between sides from both countries.

Cairo giants Ahly face SuperSport in the first-leg of the African Champions League round of 32 on Friday, seven days before Egypt visit South Africa for a crunch African Cup of Nations qualifier.

"The matches against Al-Ahly and Egypt are equally important for the country. These games will show us how we are progressing as a nation,” Mosimane, who revealed that he would attend Ahly’s game against SuperSport in Cairo, was quoted as saying on South African newspaper Timelive.  

“Egypt has been affected by the protests and we have to take advantage.”

Egypt have won the last three African Cup of Nations (2006-2008 and 2010) under the guidance of coach Hassan Shehata but they are currently struggling to replicate their form in the qualifiers of the 2012 edition.

The Pharaohs lie at the bottom of Group G with a single point from six, three behind leaders South Africa who look favorites to reach next year’s finals, which will be held in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea.

“This is also an opportunity for United and Bafana to stop this North African domination of the continent," Mosimane added.

Egyptian football has been at standstill since the eruption of the popular uprising on 25 January. The Egyptian Cup was cancelled while it remains to be seen whether the league, the country’s premier domestic competition, will be resumed.