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.

Sponsored

Advertise with Us

[email protected]

Sponsored

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.