Mohamed Salah nets winner as Egypt down South Africa to secure last 16 spot
Mohamed Salah found the net to give 10 man Egypt a 1 0 victory over South Africa in Agadir on Friday, making them the initial team to qualify for the knockout phase of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Liverpool forward slotted home a penalty in the 45th minute, while South Africa were denied their own spot kick towards the end of the second period after Yasser Ibrahim seemed to use his hand inside the penalty area.
Salah arrived in Morocco following a run of five Liverpool games where he did not start, an issue that sparked criticism from him towards coach Arne Slot.
Egypt dropped to 10 players during first half stoppage time after right back Mohamed Hany received a second yellow for stamping, resulting in a red card.
Following two matches in Group B, the seven time record champions Egypt now hold six points, ensuring a top two position and progression to the last 16.
South Africa sit on three points, while Angola and Zimbabwe each have one following their 1 1 draw in Marrakesh earlier that day.
The opening opportunity went to Salah in the 11th minute, though he could not reach a low delivery from Hany in time to make contact.
The crowd's backing for the Pharaohs was clear shortly after, as the Burundi official overlooked appeals from Zizo for a free kick, prompting widespread booing around the venue.
Salah swung in a free kick towards the centre of the South African box, with three Egyptian players surging ahead, yet none managed to touch the ball.
By the middle of the first half, a clear rhythm emerged, Egypt pressing ahead consistently as South Africa held firm with composed defending and firm challenges.
Salah under tight marking
Teboho Mokoena picked up a yellow card for tripping Omar Marmoush near the edge of the area. The Manchester City forward then sent the resulting free kick astray.
As the opening period wore on, sunshine appeared in the southern coastal location, a pleasant change for players and fans after several prior group games played in heavy downpours.
A infrequent South Africa foray concluded poorly when Lyle Foster fired a tame effort that 37 year old Mohamed El Shenawy gathered with ease.
From a free kick near the sideline, South Africa executed a clever passing sequence that fizzled out as El Shenawy held onto a cross.
Salah faced close attention from Aubrey Modiba, and as the break approached, the Liverpool player dropped back into his own territory to hold onto the ball.
In the moments before half time, as Egypt's skipper pursued a loose ball alongside Khuliso Mudau, the South African defender lifted his left arm, hitting Salah's left eye.
During heated Egyptian complaints, the Burundian match official reviewed the footage on a VAR screen and awarded a penalty.
A prolonged wait prior to the kick likely did little to calm Salah's nerves, but he sent it past Ronwen Williams, who guessed the wrong way.
Further excitement followed in stoppage time as Hany trod on Mokoena, earning a second booking and dismissal for the full back.
With an extra player, South Africa increased their attacks in the second half, yet Egypt nearly doubled their lead when Williams blocked a swift free kick from replacement Emam Ashour.
El Shenawy showed sharp reflexes with 15 minutes left, palming away a low drive from Foster with his right hand. It formed part of a series of stops that preserved Egypt's lead.