A first-half penalty from captain Mohamed Salah secured a gritty 1-0 victory for Egypt over South Africa on Thursday, booking the seven-time champions a spot in the Round of 16 at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Pharaohs were forced to produce a defensive masterclass to preserve the win, playing the entirety of the second half with ten men after defender Mohamed Hany was sent off in first-half stoppage time.
The victory, combined with Angola’s draw against Zimbabwe earlier in the day, guarantees Egypt progression from Group B with a game to spare. South Africa, managed by Hugo Broos, remain second in the group but must now secure a result in their final match to ensure qualification.
Spot-Kick Drama and Dismissal
The match was defined by a chaotic end to the first half. In the 45th minute, referee Pacifique Ndabihawenimana awarded Egypt a penalty following a VAR review, judging that South Africa defender Khuliso Mudau had struck Salah in the face with a flailing arm during a footrace.
Despite protests from the South African players—which saw Burnley striker Lyle Foster booked for dissent—Mohamed Salah held his nerve. The Liverpool forward executed a “Panenka” chip down the centre of the goal to claim his second goal of the tournament. The strike moved Salah to within four goals of Egypt’s all-time scoring record (69), currently held by his head coach, Hossam Hassan.
However, the momentum shifted almost immediately. Right-back Mohamed Hany, already on a yellow card for pulling back Tshepang Moremi, was shown a second yellow for a clumsy challenge on Teboho Mokoena. The dismissal left Egypt facing 45 minutes at a numerical disadvantage.
El Shenawy Denies Bafana Bafana
South Africa looked to capitalise on their extra man immediately after the break, introducing Sipho Mbule for Thalente Mbatha. Egypt responded by withdrawing Manchester City forward Omar Marmoush for midfielder Emam Ashour, signalling a shift to a low defensive block.
South Africa dominated possession but struggled to break down a resolute Egyptian backline. When the Bafana Bafana did find a way through, they found goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy in imperious form.
El Shenawy produced the game’s standout save late on, reacting sharply to block a close-range effort from Aubrey Modiba, which had been set up by an inventive backheel from Foster. The Al Ahly goalkeeper was called into action again deep in stoppage time, comfortably gathering a header from Siyabonga Ngezana.
VAR Denies Late Penalty Appeal
South Africa were left frustrated in the dying moments when a VAR check for a potential handball against Egypt defender Yasser Ibrahim resulted in no penalty.
Referee Ndabihawenimana reviewed the incident on the pitchside monitor but ruled that Ibrahim’s arm was in a natural position as he slid to block a shot. The decision compounded a frustrating night for South Africa, who saw late efforts from Evidence Makgopa and Modiba drift wide.
Group B Standings and Fixtures
The result leaves Egypt atop Group B with six points. South Africa sit on three points, two ahead of both Angola and Zimbabwe.
The group concludes on Monday at 16:00 GMT:
- Egypt vs. Angola (Agadir)
- South Africa vs. Zimbabwe (Marrakesh)
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