Salah Seals Egypt’s Knockout Qualification with Gritty Win Over South Africa at AFCON 2025

AGADIR, Morocco – Mohamed Salah’s first-half penalty proved decisive as a resilient ten-man Egypt edged South Africa 1-0 on Friday, becoming the first team to secure qualification for the knockout stages of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

The victory, Egypt’s second in Group B, guarantees the record seven-time champions a top-two finish and a place in the round of 16. The match was a tale of Egyptian efficiency meeting South African frustration, punctuated by a pivotal red card and a late, contentious video review.

Salah Delivers Amidst Pressure

All eyes were on Mohamed Salah, who arrived at the tournament under unusual scrutiny following a five-match spell on the bench for Liverpool, which had sparked a public outburst against manager Arne Slot. The Pharaohs’ captain answered his critics emphatically, converting a 45th-minute penalty with cool composure after a lengthy VAR review.

The spot-kick was awarded when South African defender Khuliso Mudau, in a tussle with Salah for a loose ball, raised his arm and struck the Egyptian forward in the face. After consulting the pitchside monitor, Burundian referee Pacifique Ndabihawenimana pointed to the spot. A prolonged delay ensued, but Salah remained unfazed, sending goalkeeper Ronwen Williams the wrong way to silence the whistles of the South African supporters and send the dominant Egyptian contingent in the Agadir crowd into raptures.

Egypt’s Resilience Tested

The match’s complexion shifted dramatically deep into first-half stoppage time. Egyptian right-back Mohamed Hany, already on a yellow card, recklessly stamped on Teboho Mokoena and was promptly shown a second yellow, reducing Egypt to ten men for the entire second half.

Facing a numerical disadvantage, manager Rui Vitória organized his side into a compact, disciplined block. South Africa, led by Mokoena in midfield, controlled possession and probed for an equalizer. Their best chance fell to striker Lyle Foster, whose low shot in the 75th minute was brilliantly tipped away by the agile 37-year-old Egyptian goalkeeper, Mohamed El Shenawy.

The South Africans’ frustration peaked in the 83rd minute when they were denied a penalty of their own. A goal-bound shot appeared to strike the arm of Egyptian defender Yasser Ibrahim inside the box, but the referee waved play on after a brief VAR check, a decision that will likely fuel post-match debate.

Tactical Battle and Group Implications

For much of the first half, Egypt dictated play. Salah, closely marked by Aubrey Modiba, often dropped deep to link play, while Omar Marmoush posed a threat from the left. South Africa, however, defended with organization and looked dangerous on the counter until the penalty incident changed their tactical approach.

The result solidifies Egypt’s position at the summit of Group B with a perfect six points. South Africa, on three points, remain in a strong position to qualify but will rue their missed opportunities. In the group’s earlier match in Marrakech, Angola and Zimbabwe played to a 1-1 draw, leaving each with a single point.

Looking Ahead

“It was a difficult match, and playing with ten men for 45 minutes required huge heart,” said Egypt’s goalscorer, Salah. “The most important thing is we are through. Now we must recover and focus on finishing the group strongly.”

Egypt will face Zimbabwe in their final group game, while South Africa will take on Angola, with both matches set to decide who joins the Pharaohs in the knockout stage. For Egypt, this hard-fought victory, built on a moment of individual quality from their star and collective resilience, sends a clear message that they intend to challenge for an eighth crown.

 

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