Mohamed Salah once again proved decisive on the continental stage, scoring the winning goal as Egypt secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over South Africa at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The result guarantees the seven-time champions a place in the knockout stage with one group match still to play, despite the Pharaohs being reduced to 10 men for the entire second half.

The Liverpool forward converted a controversial first-half penalty just before the break, but Egypt’s task became significantly more difficult moments later when right-back Mohamed Hany was sent off, forcing the North Africans to dig deep defensively under sustained pressure from Bafana Bafana.

VAR Controversy and Salah’s Ice-Cold Finish

The game’s decisive moment came in the 45th minute, when Salah went down during a footrace with Khuliso Mudau. Initially, there appeared to be minimal contact, but after a VAR review and pitchside monitor check, Burundian referee Pacifique Ndabihawenimana judged Mudau’s flailing arm to be enough to award a penalty.

Despite strong protests from South African players — including Lyle Foster, who was booked for dissent — Salah stepped up and calmly executed a Panenka-style penalty, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way. The goal marked Salah’s second of the tournament, following his dramatic stoppage-time strike against Zimbabwe, and moved him four goals shy of Hossam Hassan’s all-time Egypt scoring record of 69 goals.

Red Card Leaves Egypt Hanging On

Just moments after taking the lead, Egypt’s night took a dramatic turn. Mohamed Hany received his second yellow card in first-half stoppage time, the first for hauling back Tshepang Moremi, and the second for a clumsy challenge that saw him tread on Teboho Mokoena’s ankle near the touchline.

The dismissal left Egypt facing an anxious second half against a South African side expected to throw everything forward.

El Shenawy Stands Firm as South Africa Push

South Africa responded immediately after the interval with an attacking substitution, bringing on Sipho Mbule for Thalente Mbatha. However, despite enjoying more possession and territory, they struggled to break down an Egypt defence marshalled superbly by goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy.

El Shenawy produced a series of crucial interventions, most notably a brilliant late save from Aubrey Modiba, who was set up by a clever backheel from Burnley forward Lyle Foster. The Egypt keeper also dealt comfortably with a weak header from Siyabonga Ngezana deep into stoppage time, preserving the slender lead.

Even while defending deep, Egypt maintained a counter-attacking threat, helped by a tactical half-time change that saw Emam Ashour replace Omar Marmoush, reinforcing midfield solidity after Marmoush had earlier sent a free-kick narrowly wide.

Late VAR Drama as Egypt Escape Again

South Africa believed they had earned a lifeline in the dying moments when appeals for a handball penalty were made against Yasser Ibrahim. After a lengthy VAR check, Ndabihawenimana went to the pitchside monitor and ruled the incident occurred inside the box.

However, the referee ultimately decided Ibrahim’s arm was in a natural position as he slid to block the ball, denying South Africa a penalty and sparking frustration among players and substitutes alike.

Further chances followed as Evidence Makgopa, Modiba, and Ngezana all went close, but wasteful finishing and disciplined Egyptian defending ensured the Pharaohs held on.

Group B Picture: Egypt Through, South Africa Still Fighting

Earlier in the day, Angola’s draw with Zimbabwe ensured that Egypt are now mathematically guaranteed a place in the last 16, making them strong favourites to top Group B.

South Africa, meanwhile, sit two points clear of the group’s underdogs but must avoid a slip-up in their final group match against Zimbabwe to confirm progression.

The final Group B fixtures take place on Monday (16:00 GMT):

• South Africa vs Zimbabwe in Marrakesh
• Egypt vs Angola in Agadir

With qualification secured, Egypt may rotate their squad, while South Africa face a nervy conclusion to the group stage.

Egypt Show Championship Grit

While the performance was far from fluent, this victory underlined why Egypt remain one of AFCON’s most feared tournament teams. Even with adversity, controversial decisions, and numerical disadvantage, they showed composure, resilience, and elite game management.

For Salah and company, the knockout rounds now beckon — and with momentum building, Egypt will believe another AFCON title remains firmly within reach.