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Mohamed Salah’s penalty proved decisive as Egypt edged past South Africa, with the seven-time African champions holding on with 10 men in the second half to secure a place in the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) with a game to spare.
Salah’s spot-kick, awarded controversially in the 45th minute, gave the Pharaohs an early advantage. However, Egypt was immediately reduced to 10 men when right-back Mohamed Hany was shown a second yellow card during added time at the end of the first half.
South Africa made an attacking substitution at halftime, bringing on Sipho Mbule for Thalente Mbatha, but struggled to break down Egypt’s defense. Goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy remained a constant threat on the counter, producing a string of key saves.
Late in the game, El Shenawy denied Aubrey Modiba’s close-range effort, set up by Burnley forward Lyle Foster’s clever backheel, and also kept out Siyabonga Ngezana’s weak header deep into injury time. South Africa were further frustrated when a potential handball penalty was dismissed after the referee reviewed the incident on the pitchside monitor.
Egypt’s progression to the last 16 was confirmed earlier on Thursday following Angola’s draw with Zimbabwe. The Pharaohs now sit comfortably atop Group B, two points clear of South Africa.
The final group-stage matches are set for Monday, with South Africa facing Zimbabwe in Marrakesh, while Egypt take on Angola in Agadir.
