Egypt confirmed progression to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations knockout stage with one match remaining after a narrow win over South Africa, achieved despite finishing with ten players for the entire second half.
Egypt confirmed progression to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations knockout stage with one match remaining after a narrow win over South Africa, achieved despite finishing with ten players for the entire second half.
Mohamed Salah converted a contentious penalty just before the break, awarded following a video review for a hand to his face as he and Khuliso Mudau contested the ball. The Liverpool winger dispatched a Panenka-style finish, his second goal of the tournament, placing him four behind head coach Hossam Hassan’s national scoring benchmark of 69.
That breakthrough had barely settled the contest before right-back Mohamed Hany found himself sent off during first-half stoppage time. A swift second booking for an unnecessary foul left the seven-time continental champions under pressure for the remainder of the match.
The dismissal prompted a defensive reshuffle from Egypt at halftime, with Emam Ashour introduced. South Africa responded by bringing on Sipho Mbule to add creativity in search of a way back into the game.
Playing with an extra man, Hugo Broos’ side pushed forward after the interval but struggled to find an answer to Egypt’s compact shape and swift counterattacks. Mohamed El Shenawy remained central to the Pharaohs’ resistance, repeatedly denying Bafana Bafana as the minutes ticked down.
El Shenawy’s key interventions included a late stop from Aubrey Modiba following inventive link-up play by Lyle Foster, who produced a backheel to create the opening. The goalkeeper also held Siyabonga Ngezana’s weak-headed attempt deep into added time.
South Africa’s frustrations mounted. Evidence: Makgopa and Modiba both steered efforts wide; Ngezana failed to connect firmly from a corner; and tempers flared when a hopeful penalty appeal late on was referred to VAR.
An apparent handball by Yasser Ibrahim initially yielded only a free kick. However, after further review, referee Pacifique Ndabihawenimana determined the contact occurred inside the box. He then waved off the spot-kick, judging the defender’s arm position natural as he slid to intercept, a verdict that sparked disbelief among South Africa’s substitutes.
Earlier in the day, Angola’s draw with Zimbabwe confirmed Egypt’s place in the last 16 regardless of the result in Rabat. The win now positions them as favourites to win Group B, while South Africa remains above Angola and Zimbabwe but must avoid a setback against their neighbours in their final fixture.
Egypt faces Angola in Agadir, and South Africa meets Zimbabwe in Marrakesh, both kicking off at 16:00 GMT on Monday. Victory for Broos’ men would eliminate any threat of an early exit.
