Egypt recorded a narrow 1–0 victory over South Africa in Friday’s fixture of the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), thanks to a Mohamed Salah penalty.
The win saw the seven-time AFCON champions, who played the entire second half with 10 men, book a place in the knockout stage with a game to spare.
Having gone ahead through Salah’s awarded spot kick in the 45th minute, the Pharaohs were swiftly reduced to a numerical disadvantage when right-back Mohamed Hany received a second yellow card during first-half added time.
South Africa made an attacking change at the break, replacing Thalente Mbatha with Sipho Mbule, but spent much of the second period struggling to find a way past goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy.
Despite their defensive approach, Egypt continued to pose a threat on the counter-attack.
Bafana Bafana were also denied a potential penalty for handball after the 90-minute mark, with the referee consulting the pitchside monitor before waving away the appeals.
Angola’s draw with Zimbabwe earlier on Thursday confirmed Egypt’s place in the last 16, while Hugo Broos’ side sit two points clear of both Angola and Zimbabwe.
The teams conclude their group-stage campaigns on Monday, with South Africa facing Zimbabwe in Marrakesh and Egypt meeting Angola in Agadir.
