AFCON 2025: Mohamed Salah Lifts 10-Man Egypt Past South Africa in Dramatic Contest

A decisive penalty from Mohamed Salah was all it took for a 10-man Egypt to clinch a 1-0 victory over South Africa in Agadir, securing their spot in the Africa Cup of Nations knockout stages.

The result also brought an end to Bafana Bafana's impressive 12-game unbeaten streak.

With a place in the next round on the line for the winner, both teams began the match cautiously. The contest was a tense and cagey affair, with the first real attempt on goal not arriving until the 22nd minute. Manchester City's Omar Marmoush stepped up for an Egyptian free-kick on the edge of the box, but his strike flew just wide of the post.

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South Africa registered the first shot on target just before the half-hour mark, but Lyle Foster's effort lacked the power to trouble goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy. Despite the scarcity of clear chances, Egypt broke the deadlock before halftime.

A clumsy foul by Khuliso Mudau inside the area resulted in a penalty, and captain Mohamed Salah made no mistake, firing his spot-kick straight down the middle to give the Pharaohs the lead.

However, the drama wasn't over for the first half. Egypt were reduced to 10 men just before the break when Mohamed Hany received a second yellow card for a poor challenge, setting up a tense second half.

After the restart, goalmouth action remained limited. South Africa dominated possession but struggled to create meaningful opportunities, often resorting to long-range shots that failed to test El Shenawy. Bafana Bafana's best chance to equalise came with just 10 minutes remaining when Foster set up Aubrey Modiba in the penalty area, but the latter's shot was directed straight at the Egyptian keeper.

Despite their relentless pressure in the final moments, South Africa could not find a way through. While Egypt celebrated their progression to the next round, South Africa's fate now rests on their final group stage match against Zimbabwe on Monday. The Pharaohs, meanwhile, will need at least a point in their last game to secure the top spot in Group B.