Mohamed Salah scored the decisive goal as Egypt secured a 1–0 victory over South Africa in Agadir on Friday, becoming the first team to qualify for the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Egypt captain converted a first-half penalty just before the break, a goal that proved enough despite the Pharaohs being reduced to 10 men late in the first half.
Salah’s spot-kick came after he was struck in the face while contesting a loose ball near the edge of the penalty area. Following a VAR review, the referee awarded Egypt a penalty, which the Liverpool forward calmly dispatched with the goalkeeper diving the wrong way.
Moments later, Egypt suffered a setback when right-back Mohamed Hany was sent off after receiving a second yellow card for a reckless challenge in added time of the first half.
Despite playing the entire second half with a numerical disadvantage, Egypt defended resolutely as South Africa pushed for an equaliser. Goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy delivered a series of key saves, denying Lyle Foster and other South African attackers as pressure mounted.
Egypt nearly doubled their lead through substitute Emam Ashour, but South Africa goalkeeper Ronwen Williams reacted well to keep his side in the contest.
South Africa thought they had earned a penalty late in the match when the ball appeared to strike an Egyptian defender’s arm inside the box, but the referee waved play on after protests.
After two matches in Group B, Egypt now have six points, guaranteeing a top-two finish and progression to the round of 16. South Africa remain on three points, while Angola and Zimbabwe sit on one point each following their earlier draw.
