Mohamed Salah’s first-half penalty proved decisive as Egypt secured qualification for the knockout stages of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 with a hard-fought 1–0 victory over South Africa at the Grand Stade d’Agadir this Friday.
The match unfolded as a tense and evenly balanced contest, with both sides cautious in possession and clear chances at a premium.
The breakthrough arrived on the stroke of half-time following a VAR review, which saw the referee award Egypt a penalty after Khuliso Mudau was judged to have fouled Mohamed Salah inside the area. The Egyptian captain remained composed, converting confidently down the middle to claim his second goal of the tournament.
Moments later, the complexion of the game changed dramatically. Egyptian defender Mohamed Hany was shown a second yellow card for a late challenge shortly after the restart, leaving the Pharaohs to defend their slender advantage with ten men for the entire second half.
South Africa responded by taking control of possession and pushing forward in search of an equaliser. Hugo Broos’s side applied sustained pressure but found it difficult to break down a disciplined Egyptian defence marshalled by Yasser Ibrahim, with goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy producing a calm and assured performance.
Late drama followed in stoppage time when South Africa appealed for a penalty after a shot appeared to strike Yasser Ibrahim’s arm inside the area. After a VAR review, the referee upheld his original decision.
The result moves Egypt to six points in Group B, confirming their place in the Round of 16 with a match to spare. South Africa remain in contention, but must now win their final group fixture to guarantee progression.
Egypt will conclude their group campaign against Angola on Monday, while South Africa face a decisive Southern African derby against Zimbabwe at the Marrakesh Stadium.
CAF
