Mohamed Salah converted a penalty to give Egypt a 1-0 win over South Africa in Agadir on Friday, securing their place in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations knockout stage. Despite being reduced to 10 men after a red card, the Pharaohs held on as South Africa were denied a late penalty of their own.
Mohamed Salah scored as 10-man Egypt beat South Africa 1-0 in Agadir on Friday to become the first qualifiers for the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Liverpool star converted a penalty on 45 minutes, and South Africa were denied a spot-kick late in the second half when Yasser Ibrahim appeared to handle the ball inside the box.
Salah came to Morocco after not starting in five Liverpool matches – his omission leading to an outburst against manager Arne Slot.
Egypt were reduced to 10 men in first-half added time when right-back Mohamed Hany was shown a second yellow card for a stamp, followed by a red.
After two rounds in Group B, record seven-time champions Egypt have six points and are guaranteed a top-two finish and a place in the round of 16.
South Africa have three points, and Angola and Zimbabwe one each after they drew 1-1 in Marrakesh earlier.
The first chance fell to Salah after 11 minutes, but he could not move forward quickly enough to connect with a low cross from Hany.
