By Ayomide Otitoju
Mohamed Salah scored the decisive goal as 10-man Egypt defeated South Africa 1-0 in Agadir on Friday to become the first team to qualify for the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Liverpool forward converted a penalty in the 45th minute after South African defender Khuliso Mudau struck him in the face while challenging for the ball. Salah calmly sent goalkeeper Ronwen Williams the wrong way following a lengthy VAR review.
Egypt were reduced to 10 men in first-half stoppage time when right-back Mohamed Hany was shown a second yellow card for stamping on Teboho Mokoena, but the seven-time champions held firm after the break.
South Africa were denied a late penalty when Yasser Ibrahim appeared to handle the ball in the box, a decision that proved costly as they failed to capitalise on their numerical advantage.
After two matches in Group B, Egypt have six points and are assured of a top-two finish and a place in the round of 16. South Africa remain on three points, while Angola and Zimbabwe have one apiece following their 1-1 draw earlier in Marrakesh.
Egypt started brightly, with Salah missing an early chance in the 11th minute after failing to connect with a low cross from Hany. The Pharaohs dominated possession in the opening half, pressing forward regularly, while South Africa relied on disciplined defending.
Omar Marmoush fired a free-kick wide after being fouled just outside the penalty area, while South Africa’s best first-half effort saw Lyle Foster produce a weak shot that was easily saved by veteran goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy.
Despite being closely marked, Salah remained influential and dropped deep to retain possession as Egypt sought control. His penalty just before half-time proved decisive.
In the second half, South Africa pushed forward in search of an equaliser, but El Shenawy produced several key saves, including a fine stop from Foster with 15 minutes remaining. Egypt also threatened on the counter, with Williams denying substitute Emam Ashour after a quick free-kick.
The Pharaohs ultimately held on to secure victory and early qualification, underlining their status as one of the tournament favourites.
