10-Man Egypt Secures AFCON 2025 Knockout Spot via Salah’s Heroics

Down a man but never out of focus. Mohamed Salah converted a crucial penalty as Egypt defeated South Africa1-0 to become the first team to qualify for the Round of 16 at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Pharaoh’s Clinical Edge

In a high-stakes match in Agadir, the Liverpool talisman stepped up when it mattered most. Following a VAR review that confirmed a strike to his eye by Khuliso Mudau, Salah calmly slotted the ball past Ronwen Williams in the 45th minute. It's a statement performance for Salah, who arrived in Morocco amidst rumors of friction with club manager Arne Slot.

Despite the crowd's vocal support for the Pharaohs, the game took a tense turn in first-half stoppage time. Right-back Mohamed Hany was sent off after receiving a second yellow card, leaving Egypt to defend their lead with only 10 men for the entire second half.

Defensive Masterclass and Group Dominance

South Africa pushed hard for an equalizer, but 37-year-old goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy proved insurmountable. His series of acrobatic saves, including a low tip-to-safety from Lyle Foster, kept Bafana Bafana at bay until the final whistle.

With 6 points from two matches, the seven-time champions are guaranteed a top-two finish in Group B. Elsewhere in the group, Angola and Zimbabwe played out a 1-1 draw in Marrakesh, leaving both teams with only a single point and a mountain to climb to reach the next stage.