2025 AFCON: Salah sends 10-man Egypt into last 16 with win over South Africa
Mohamed Salah once again proved decisive on the continental stage as Egypt booked their place in the AFCON 2025 last 16, grinding out a 1–0 victory over South Africa despite playing most of the match with ten men.
The Liverpool forward calmly converted a first-half penalty in Agadir on Friday night, sealing Egypt’s second straight win in Group B and making the Pharaohs the first team to qualify for the knockout phase of the tournament.
Penalty drama decides tight contest
Salah struck the winning goal in the 45th minute after a VAR review ruled that South Africa right-back Khuliso Mudau had struck the Egypt captain in the face while challenging for a loose ball. Despite a lengthy delay, Salah showed trademark composure, sending goalkeeper Ronwen Williams the wrong way from the spot.
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The goal capped a dominant Egyptian spell, with the seven-time champions pushing forward relentlessly in the opening half while South Africa stayed compact and disciplined at the back.
Egypt reduced to 10 men before half-time
Moments after taking the lead, Egypt suffered a major setback when Mohamed Hany was sent off in first-half stoppage time. The right-back received a second yellow card for stamping on Teboho Mokoena, leaving Egypt to defend their advantage for the entire second half with a numerical disadvantage.
Despite the red card, Egypt regrouped effectively and showed the experience that has defined their AFCON pedigree.
South Africa push, El Shenawy stands firm
With the extra man, South Africa increased their attacking intent after the break. Lyle Foster tested veteran goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy, who produced a series of sharp saves to preserve Egypt’s lead.
El Shenawy was at his best midway through the second half, tipping a low effort from Foster around the post and commanding his area confidently as South Africa searched for an equaliser.
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Egypt nearly doubled their lead when substitute Emam Ashour was denied by Williams following a quick free-kick, a moment that would have settled the contest earlier.
Group B picture takes shape
After two matches, Egypt sit top of Group B with six points, guaranteeing a top-two finish and safe passage into the round of 16.
South Africa remain on three points, while Angola and Zimbabwe each have one point after their 1–1 draw earlier in Marrakesh. Qualification from the group remains open heading into the final round of fixtures.
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Salah responds on the big stage
Salah arrived at the tournament amid scrutiny following a run of matches on the bench at Liverpool, but the Egypt captain responded in the best way possible, delivering when it mattered most.
Closely marked for much of the contest, the 31-year-old dropped deep at times to influence play and remained Egypt’s most dangerous outlet before stepping up to decide the match from the penalty spot.
With momentum building and knockout qualification secured early, Egypt now look well placed to mount another deep AFCON run.
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