Mohamed Salah scored the decisive goal as 10-man Egypt defeated South Africa 1-0 in Agadir on Friday, securing their spot in the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Gatekeepers News reports that the Liverpool star converted a penalty in the 45th minute after South Africa’s Khuliso Mudau appeared to strike Salah in the face during a scramble in the box. South Africa were later denied a late spot-kick when Yasser Ibrahim appeared to handle the ball, but no penalty was awarded.
Egypt were reduced to 10 men in first-half added time when right-back Mohamed Hany received a second yellow card for a stamp on Teboho Mokoena.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, the seven-time champions maintained their composure. After two rounds in Group B, Egypt sit atop the group with six points and are guaranteed a top-two finish. South Africa have three points, while Angola and Zimbabwe share a point each following their 1-1 draw in Marrakesh earlier.
Salah, who arrived in Morocco after being left out of five Liverpool matches—a decision that led to a public outburst against manager Arne Slot—was closely monitored by South African defenders throughout the match. He had the first chance in the 11th minute but was unable to reach a low cross from Hany.
Egypt dominated possession in the first half, while South Africa relied on solid defensive organisation. A rare South African attack saw Lyle Foster fire a weak shot easily saved by 37-year-old goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy, while an intricate move from a free-kick ended tame as El Shenawy secured the ball.
The breakthrough came just before half-time. After a tussle with Mudau, Salah was struck in the face, prompting the Burundian referee to award a penalty following VAR review. Salah calmly sent goalkeeper Ronwen Williams the wrong way to give Egypt the lead.
The second half saw South Africa push for an equaliser with the numerical advantage, but Egypt’s defence and El Shenawy’s heroics kept them at bay. Substitute Emam Ashour nearly doubled Egypt’s lead, only for Williams to intervene, while El Shenawy tipped a low Foster shot to safety with 15 minutes remaining, preserving the victory.
