Mohamed Salah once again proved decisive as Egypt edged South Africa 1–0 in Agadir on Friday, becoming the first team to qualify for the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Liverpool forward calmly converted a first-half penalty to seal the win, even as the Pharaohs were forced to play the entire second half with 10 men. Egypt’s task became tougher when right-back Mohamed Hany was sent off in added time of the first half after receiving a second yellow card.
Salah’s goal came just before the break following a VAR review, after South Africa defender Khuliso Mudau caught the Egypt captain in the face while contesting a loose ball. Despite the pressure and a lengthy delay, Salah showed composure from the spot as South Africa goalkeeper Ronwen Williams guessed wrong.
South Africa pushed hard in the second half with their numerical advantage and were unlucky not to get a penalty of their own late on, when Yasser Ibrahim appeared to handle the ball in the box. However, the referee waved play on, sparking protests from the South African bench.
Veteran goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy was key to Egypt’s victory, making several crucial saves to preserve the narrow lead. His reflex stop from Lyle Foster in the closing stages ensured Egypt held on.
With six points from two matches, the seven-time champions are guaranteed a top-two finish in Group B and a place in the round of 16. South Africa remain on three points, while Angola and Zimbabwe sit on one point each after drawing earlier in the day.
