Mohamed Salah found the net as Egypt, despite being reduced to ten men, edged South Africa 1–0 in Agadir on Friday to become the first team to qualify for the knockout phase of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Liverpool forward calmly converted a first-half penalty in the 45th minute, while South Africa were later denied a spot-kick in the closing stages after Yasser Ibrahim appeared to handle the ball inside the area.
Salah arrived in Morocco having failed to start Liverpool’s last five matches, a situation that sparked a public reaction against his manager, Arne Slot.
Egypt’s task became more difficult in first-half stoppage time when right-back Mohamed Hany received a second yellow card for stamping, which resulted in his dismissal.
After two matches in Group B, the seven-time African champions now have six points, ensuring a top-two finish and progression to the round of 16.
South Africa remain on three points, while Angola and Zimbabwe each have one after sharing a 1–1 draw earlier in Marrakesh.
Salah nearly opened the scoring after 11 minutes but failed to react quickly enough to meet a low cross delivered by Hany.
The heavy Egyptian presence in the stands became evident moments later when loud whistles rang out after the Burundian referee ignored appeals from Zizo for a free-kick.
Salah later floated a free-kick into the South African box, where three Egyptian players surged forward but were unable to make contact.
As the game settled, Egypt controlled possession and advanced regularly, while South Africa stayed organised and relied on disciplined defending.
Teboho Mokoena was booked for fouling Omar Marmoush near the edge of the area, but the resulting free-kick from the Manchester City forward drifted wide.
Sunshine eventually broke through in the coastal city after days of rain, lifting conditions for players and fans alike.
South Africa’s rare forays forward lacked conviction, with Lyle Foster’s weak effort easily handled by veteran goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy.
Another promising South African free-kick routine ended harmlessly as El Shenawy claimed the final cross.
Salah was tightly marked by Aubrey Modiba and began dropping deep into his own half to maintain possession as the interval approached.
Moments before half-time, Khuliso Mudau caught Salah in the face with an outstretched arm while contesting a loose ball. Following a VAR review, the referee awarded a penalty.
Despite a lengthy delay, Salah remained composed, sending Ronwen Williams the wrong way to put Egypt ahead.
Drama followed immediately as Hany’s foul on Mokoena earned him a second booking and an early exit.
With the numerical advantage, South Africa pressed harder after the restart, but Egypt nearly doubled their lead when Williams denied substitute Emam Ashour.
El Shenawy produced a series of saves, including a sharp stop from Foster’s low strike, preserving Egypt’s lead until the final whistle.
What you should know
Egypt’s victory secures early qualification and underlines their resilience despite playing with ten men for over half the match.
Mohamed Salah’s influence extended beyond his goal, as his movement and leadership helped stabilise Egypt under pressure.
The result puts South Africa in a tense position ahead of their remaining group game, while Egypt can now rotate their squad with qualification assured.
