A Mohamed Salah penalty proved decisive as Egypt booked their place in the African Cup of Nations knockout stage with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over South Africa in Agadir, despite playing the entire second half with 10 men. The result brought an end to Bafana Bafana’s 12-match unbeaten run.
Both sides knew that victory would all but secure progression from Group B, and the opening stages reflected the high stakes, with a cautious and tense start offering little in the way of goalmouth action.
The first real attempt arrived after 22 minutes when Egypt were awarded a free kick on the edge of the area. Omar Marmoush stepped up but saw his effort drift narrowly wide of the left post. South Africa responded with the first shot on target just before the half-hour mark, although Lyle Foster’s effort lacked the power to trouble Mohamed El Shenawy, who gathered comfortably.
Egypt score together. Celebrate as one. 🇪🇬❤️#TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 | #WeCelebrateDifferent
— TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 (@TotalAFCON2025) December 26, 2025
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Despite the scarcity of chances, Egypt found the breakthrough late in the first half. Khuliso Mudau was penalised for a clumsy challenge in the area and Salah calmly assumed responsibility from the spot, firing his penalty straight down the middle to give the Pharaohs the lead.
Drama followed moments later as Egypt were reduced to 10 men, with Mohamed Hany shown a second yellow card for a late challenge, forcing the Pharaohs to defend their advantage for the entire second half.
After the restart, South Africa enjoyed more possession but struggled to turn it into clear opportunities. Much of their threat came from distance, with speculative efforts failing to seriously test El Shenawy.
Bafana Bafana came closest to equalising with 10 minutes remaining when Foster picked out Aubrey Modiba inside the area, but the midfielder could not find a way past the Egyptian goalkeeper. Despite sustained pressure in the closing stages, South Africa were unable to break down Egypt’s disciplined defence.
The result confirms Egypt’s progression to the next round of AFCON, although they will require at least a point in their final group match to secure top spot. South Africa, meanwhile, remain in control of their fate and will look to seal qualification when they face Zimbabwe on Monday.
