Mohamed Salah scored the
decisive goal as 10-man Egypt edged 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 first-half penalty in the 45th minute after Khuliso Mudau struck
him in the face while challenging for a loose ball. Following a VAR review, the
referee pointed to the spot, and Salah calmly sent goalkeeper Ronwen Williams
the wrong way.
Egypt’s task became more
difficult moments later when right-back Mohamed Hany was sent off in first-half
stoppage time after receiving a second yellow card for stamping on Teboho
Mokoena.
Despite enjoying a numerical
advantage for the entire second half, South Africa failed to find an equaliser
and were also denied a late penalty when Yasser Ibrahim appeared to handle the
ball inside the Egyptian box.
After two matches in Group
B, the seven-time champions sit on six points and are guaranteed a top-two
finish, sealing their place in the round of 16. South Africa remain on three
points, while Angola and Zimbabwe have one point each following their 1-1 draw
earlier in the day.
Egypt dominated much of the
first half, with Salah heavily involved in attack and Omar Marmoush coming
close from a free-kick. South Africa’s rare chances were dealt with confidently
by veteran goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy, whose second-half saves proved
crucial.
Despite intense pressure
late on, the Pharaohs held firm to secure a vital win and confirm their
progression to the knockout phase.
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