A solitary Mohamed Salah penalty proved decisive as Egypt booked their place in the AFCON knockout stages with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over South Africa, ending Bafana Bafana’s 12-match unbeaten run.
Qualification from Group B was on the line for both sides, the contest in Agadir began in cautious fashion, neither team willing to overcommit in the early exchanges.
Egypt looked the more assured going forward and threatened first through Omar Marmoush’s curling free-kick and a low effort from Trezeguet that tested Ronwen Williams.
The breakthrough came six minutes before half-time following a VAR review, with the referee awarding Egypt a penalty after Mohamed Salah was brought down in the area. The Liverpool forward made no mistake, driving his spot-kick straight down the middle to put the Pharaohs ahead.
Salah. Photo Credit: Imago
Egypt’s advantage was quickly undermined when Mohamed Hany was shown a second yellow card in first-half stoppage time, leaving Rui Vitória’s side to play the entire second half with 10 men.
South Africa responded with sustained pressure after the interval. Aubrey Modiba forced Mohamed El Shenawy into a sharp save from close range, while Khuliso Mudau saw a fierce long-range effort brilliantly tipped away. Teboho Mokoena also went close twice, sending powerful strikes narrowly over the crossbar.
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As the pressure mounted, Evidence Makgopa headed over from a promising position, before further penalty appeals were waved away, including a late handball claim that was checked by VAR in stoppage time.
Photo Credit: Imago
Despite seven minutes of added time and relentless South African pressure, Egypt’s defence held firm, with El Shenawy producing a series of crucial interventions to preserve the clean sheet.
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The result confirms Egypt’s progression to the last 16, though they will need at least a draw against Angola to secure top spot in Group B. South Africa, meanwhile, remain in control of their destiny and will qualify for the knockout stage with a win over Zimbabwe in their final group match.
