AFCON 2025: Salah on target as 10-man Egypt beat South Africa to reach knockout

Mohamed Salah scored as 10-man Egypt defeated South Africa 1-0 in Agadir on Friday to become the first qualifier for the knockout stages of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Liverpool star converted a penalty in the 45th minute, and South Africa were denied a penalty late in the second half when Yasser Ibrahim appeared to handle the ball in the penalty area.

Salah arrived in Morocco after not starting in five Liverpool games. His omission led to an outburst against manager Arne Slot.

Egypt were reduced to 10 men in first-half extra time when right-back Mohamed Hany was shown a second yellow card for a punch, followed by a red.

After two rounds in Group B, record seven-time champions Egypt have six points and are assured of a top-two finish and a place in the round of 16.

South Africa have three points, while Angola and Zimbabwe have one point each after drawing 1-1 earlier in Marrakech.

The first chance fell to Salah after 11 minutes, but he could not get forward quickly enough to connect via a low cross from Hany.

That the majority of the crowd supported the Pharaohs became clear shortly afterwards when the Burundian referee ignored Zizo’s request for a free kick and loud whistling enveloped the stadium.

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When Salah delivered a free-kick into the heart of the South African area, three Egyptians shot forward but none could make contact with the ball.

By the middle of the first half, a pattern had developed: Egypt pressed forward regularly, while South Africa defended with composure and solid tackling.

Salah is being closely watched

When Teboho Mokoena fouled Omar Marmoush just outside the penalty area, he was shown a yellow card. However, the Manchester City striker shot the resulting free kick wide.

As the first half progressed, the sun broke through in the southern coastal city – a welcome sight for players and spectators as many previous group matches took place in heavy rain.

A rare South African strike ended disappointingly when Lyle Foster hit a weak shot that was comfortably saved by 37-year-old Mohamed El Shenawy.

Given a free-kick close to the sideline, South Africa executed an intricate multi-pass move that ended tamely when El Shenawy latched onto a cross.

Salah was closely watched by Aubrey Modiba, and as half-time approached the Liverpool star retreated to the Egyptian half to retain possession.

As the Egypt captain chased down a loose ball with Khuliso Mudau, the South African right-back raised his left arm and hit Salah’s left eye.

Amid Egyptian protests, the Burundian referee watched the incident on a VAR monitor and pointed to the penalty spot.

A long delay before the kick was taken could not have eased Salah’s nerves, but he comfortably converted the spot-kick when Ronwen Williams dived the wrong way.

More drama erupted in extra time when Hany stamped on Mokoena, leading to a second yellow card for the defender.

South Africa, with a numerical advantage, attacked more as the second half progressed, but Egypt came close to a second goal when Williams denied substitute Emam Ashour after a quick free-kick.

El Shenawy showed his agility with 15 minutes remaining, using his right hand to secure a low shot from Foster. It was one of many saves that kept Egypt ahead.

Published on December 26, 2025