Salah penalty sends Egypt into AFCON knockout stage with win over South Africa

A single Mohamed Salah penalty was enough as Egypt secured a hard-earned 1–0 win over South Africa to reach the AFCON knockout stage, ending Bafana Bafana’s 12-match unbeaten run.

Both teams needed a result from the Group B clash in Agadir, and the game started cautiously, with neither side taking early risks.

Egypt looked more confident in attack and created the first chances. Omar Marmoush tested the goalkeeper with a curling free-kick, while Trezeguet’s low shot forced a save from Ronwen Williams.

The key moment came six minutes before half-time after a VAR review. The referee awarded Egypt a penalty when Salah was fouled in the box, and the Liverpool star calmly sent his spot-kick straight down the middle to give the Pharaohs the lead.

Egypt’s task became harder just before the break when Mohamed Hany received a second yellow card, leaving them to play the whole second half with 10 men.

South Africa pushed forward after the restart and created several chances. Aubrey Modiba was denied by a fine save from Mohamed El Shenawy, while Khuliso Mudau’s long-range effort was tipped away. Teboho Mokoena also went close twice, shooting just over the bar.

Evidence Makgopa later headed over from a good position, and South Africa had penalty appeals turned down, including a late handball claim that was checked by VAR.

Despite seven minutes of added time and heavy pressure, Egypt defended well, with El Shenawy making important saves to keep a clean sheet.

The win sends Egypt through to the last 16. They need at least a draw against Angola to finish top of Group B. South Africa still have their fate in their own hands and will qualify if they beat Zimbabwe in their final group match.