Mohamed Salah scored the decisive goal as 10-man Egypt defeated South Africa 1–0 in Agadir on Friday to become the first team to qualify for the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Liverpool forward converted a first-half penalty to secure victory, while South Africa were later denied a spot-kick despite claims that Yasser Ibrahim handled the ball inside the area.
Salah arrived in Morocco amid scrutiny after failing to start five consecutive matches for Liverpool, a run that reportedly sparked a public outburst against manager Arne Slot. He responded in emphatic fashion by leading Egypt to a crucial win.
Egypt’s task was made harder just before the break when right-back Mohamed Hany was shown a second yellow card and then red for stamping on Teboho Mokoena during first-half stoppage time.
After two rounds of Group B matches, the record seven-time champions sit top with six points, guaranteeing a top-two finish and progression to the round of 16. South Africa remain on three points, while Angola and Zimbabwe have one each following their 1–1 draw earlier in Marrakesh.
Salah had Egypt’s first clear chance after 11 minutes but was unable to reach a low cross from Hany in time. Egypt dominated possession early, pushing forward consistently as South Africa remained compact and disciplined in defence.
Midway through the half, Omar Marmoush was fouled just outside the penalty arc, earning Teboho Mokoena a yellow card. However, the Manchester City striker dragged the resulting free-kick wide.
As the sun finally broke through after days of rain in the coastal city, South Africa fashioned a rare opening when Lyle Foster fired a weak shot that was easily saved by veteran goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy.
Salah was tightly marked by Aubrey Modiba and increasingly dropped deep to influence play. Then, moments before the interval, Khuliso Mudau raised his arm while challenging Salah for a loose ball, striking the Egyptian captain in the face.
After consulting VAR, the Burundian referee awarded a penalty. Despite a lengthy delay, Salah remained composed, sending goalkeeper Ronwen Williams the wrong way to score in the 45th minute.
Drama continued in stoppage time as Hany was dismissed, leaving Egypt to play the entire second half with 10 men.
South Africa pressed harder after the break, using their numerical advantage to increase the tempo. Egypt nearly doubled their lead when Williams denied substitute Emam Ashour following a quick free-kick.
With 15 minutes remaining, El Shenawy produced a fine one-handed save to tip away a low effort from Foster, one of several interventions that preserved Egypt’s narrow lead and sealed qualification.
AFP
