Mohamed Salah’s first-half penalty secured a hard-fought 1–0 victory for Egypt over South Africa on Thursday, as the seven-time champions booked a place in the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with a game to spare. The decisive moment came in the 45th minute when Salah converted a controversially awarded spot kick to put the Pharaohs ahead. However, Egypt’s task became more difficult moments later after right-back Mohamed Hany was sent off for a second yellow card during first-half stoppage time. South Africa responded at the start of the second half with an attacking substitution, as coach Hugo Broos introduced Sipho Mbule for Thalente Mbatha. Despite enjoying more possession and pushing men forward, Bafana Bafana struggled to break down a disciplined Egyptian defence marshalled by goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy. READ ALSO: CAF fines Egypt $5,000 over media snub after Zimbabwe match El Shenawy was central to Egypt’s resilience, making a crucial late save to deny Aubrey Modiba from close range following a clever backheel by Burnley striker Lyle Foster. The Egyptian goalkeeper also dealt comfortably with a weak header from Siyabonga Ngezana deep into stoppage time. South Africa thought they had a late chance to equalise when they appealed for a handball penalty after the 90th minute. Referee Pacifique Ndabihawenimana of Burundi reviewed the incident on the pitchside monitor but waved play on. Earlier in the day, Angola’s draw with Zimbabwe ensured Egypt’s progression to the round of 16 from Group B. South Africa remain second in the group, two points ahead of Angola and Zimbabwe. The final group matches will be played on Monday, with South Africa facing Zimbabwe in Marrakesh, while Egypt take on Angola in Agadir.
Salah Penalty Sends Egypt into AFCON 2025 Knockout Stage
