Mohamed Salah's coolly-taken penalty proved decisive as Egypt secured their place in the Africa Cup of Nations knockout stages with a gritty 1-0 victory over South Africa, despite playing the entire second half with ten men.
Salah Spot-Kick Decides Tense Group B Clash
The crucial moment arrived in the first half when the Egyptian captain, Mohamed Salah, was caught in the face by South Africa defender Khuliso Mudau as they challenged for the ball inside the penalty area. Referee Pacifique Ndabihawenimana pointed to the spot after consulting the pitchside monitor.
Salah made no mistake, calmly converting for his 65th international goal and his second of the tournament in Morocco. This strike ultimately sent the Pharaohs through to the last-16 as winners of Group B with a game to spare, having taken a perfect six points from their opening two matches.
Egypt's Resilient Second-Half Rearguard
Egypt's task was made significantly harder in first-half added time when right-back Mohamed Hany received a second yellow card for stamping on the foot of Teboho Mokoena. The dismissal forced the North Africans to defend for large periods after the break.
South Africa, who now have three points, laid siege to the Egyptian goal. They registered 17 shots in the second half alone but found goalkeeper El Shenawy in inspired form. He produced excellent saves to deny Mudau and later Aubrey Modiba, who was set up by Lyle Foster's clever flick.
The Bafana Bafana also had strong appeals for a handball penalty turned down following a lengthy VAR check, adding to their sense of frustration in what was their first competitive defeat under coach Hugo Broos in nearly two years.
Group Implications and Looking Ahead
The result on Friday 26 December 2025 confirms Egypt's progression with one group game remaining. South Africa's fate remains in their own hands, sitting second with three points.
Elsewhere in Group B, Zimbabwe and Angola played out a 1-1 draw, leaving both sides on a single point. The group stage concludes with Egypt looking to maintain their perfect record, while South Africa will aim to bounce back and secure their own knockout berth.
For Egypt, the victory was a testament to resilience, combining Salah's lethal finishing with determined defending. For South Africa, the match highlighted a recurring issue: dominant possession and numerous chances, but a lack of cutting edge in the final third to turn pressure into points.
