Salah scores in 10-man Egypt's victory over South Africa to secure last-16 spot

Mohamed Salah netted a goal as Egypt, down to 10 players, defeated South Africa 1-0 in Agadir on Friday, securing their spot as the initial team to advance to the knockout rounds of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.   

The forward from Liverpool successfully took a penalty kick right before the break at 45 minutes, while South Africa missed out on their own late penalty when Yasser Ibrahim seemed to use his hand in the penalty area during the second half.

Salah travelled to Morocco following a run of five Liverpool games where he did not begin, an issue that sparked criticism from him towards coach Arne Slot.

Egypt found themselves a man short in stoppage time of the first half after defender Mohamed Hany received a second yellow for stamping, resulting in his dismissal.  

Following two matches in Group B, the seven-time title holders Egypt sit on six points, ensuring a top-two position and progression to the last 16. 

South Africa sit on three points, with Angola and Zimbabwe each holding one after their 1-1 draw in Marrakesh earlier that day. 

"I am delighted with the outcome, without doubt. It was challenging, as they controlled much of the play. They possess the ability to hold onto the ball for extended periods, so our strategy was solid and effective," Salah commented.

"We secured the three points, which matters most. The crowd energy is outstanding. We hope to maintain this momentum."

South Africa manager Hugo Broos remarked: "The penalty given to Egypt was absurd, truly absurd. Hossam Hassan, the Egypt manager, told me afterwards that he was taken aback it was even called as one.

"As for our denied penalty towards the end, the Egyptian players arm was outstretched and the ball struck it. That should have been a penalty." 

The opening opportunity went to Salah at the 11-minute mark, though he failed to reach a low delivery from Hany in time.

The crowds support for the Pharaohs was evident shortly after, as the Burundi official overlooked appeals from Zizo for a free kick, prompting widespread booing throughout the venue.

Salah swung in a free kick towards the centre of South Africas box, where three Egyptian players surged in, yet none managed to make contact.

Salah faces tight marking

By the middle of the first period, a clear dynamic emerged, Egypt advancing frequently while South Africa countered with composed defending and firm challenges.

Teboho Mokoena picked up a yellow card for tripping Omar Marmoush near the edge of the area, but the Manchester City forward sent the free kick astray.

As the opening 45 minutes wore on, sunshine emerged in the coastal southern city, a relief for everyone after previous group fixtures played in heavy downpours. 

A sporadic South Africa foray concluded poorly when Lyle Foster unleashed a tame effort, easily gathered by the 37-year-old Mohamed El Shenawy.

From a free kick near the sideline, South Africa executed a clever passing sequence that fizzled out with El Shenawy securing the incoming cross.  

Salah endured close attention from Aubrey Modiba, prompting the Liverpool player to drop deeper into his own territory to hold the ball as the interval approached.

Suddenly, while pursuing a loose ball alongside Khuliso Mudau, the South African full back lifted his left arm and hit Salah in the eye.

Following strong protests from Egypt, the Burundi match official reviewed the footage on the VAR screen and signalled for a penalty. 

The extended wait prior to the spot kick likely heightened Salah's tension, but he slotted it home with ease as goalkeeper Ronwen Williams guessed incorrectly and dove away. 

Further tension arose during added time when Hany stepped on Mokoena, earning another caution and his marching orders. 

With an extra player, South Africa ramped up their assaults in the latter stages, yet Egypt nearly doubled their lead when Williams thwarted substitute Emam Ashour from a swift free kick. 

El Shenawy showed impressive reflexes with 15 minutes left, palming away a driven effort from Foster with his right hand. It proved one of multiple stops that preserved Egypt's lead.