Egypt edged past South Africa to book their place in the Africa Cup of Nations round of 16, with Mohamed Salah’s penalty the difference in a tense Group B clash.
Both sides began the tournament with narrow victories and arrived in Agadir full of confidence. Egypt had relied on a stoppage-time winner from Salah to beat Zimbabwe, while Lyle Foster’s late goal earned Bafana Bafana three points against Angola. Another victory here would have virtually guaranteed a knockout-stage spot for either team.
It was Egypt who took control of the group thanks to Salah’s calm finish from the spot just before half-time, securing a first competitive win over South Africa since 2006 and making the Pharaohs the first nation to confirm progression.
South Africa entered the match unbeaten in their previous six meetings with Egypt and carried early attacking intent. Foster went close on 29 minutes, showing strength to work space in the box, but his bouncing effort lacked the power to beat Mohamed El Shenawy.
Egypt created the first major opening when Mohamed Hany burst into space down the right and flashed a cross across goal, just beyond the stretching Salah. Omar Marmoush later curled a free-kick inches wide after Teboho Mokoena was booked for a foul 25 yards out.
The turning point arrived on 43 minutes. Salah went down in the box after contact from Khuliso Mudau, prompting a VAR review before referee Pacifique Ndabihaweniman pointed to the spot and booked both Mudau and Foster for their protests.
Salah stepped up on the stroke of half-time and coolly clipped the ball down the middle to net his 65th international goal. Moments later, Egypt were reduced to 10 men when Hany received a second yellow card for a late challenge, leaving the Pharaohs with a long second half to negotiate.
Despite their numerical disadvantage, Egypt remained disciplined after the break. Salah and Trezeguet combined to carve out a fine chance for Emam Ashour, whose low strike was blocked smartly by Ronwen Williams.
South Africa pushed for an equaliser, with Khuliso Mudau forcing El Shenawy into a sharp save. Their loudest appeals came late on when a shot struck Yasser Ibrahim’s arm in the box, but after VAR intervention the referee stuck with his on-field call of a free-kick rather than a penalty. That decision ensured Egypt protected their slender advantage and saw out a significant victory.
The fixture rekindled memories of South Africa’s famous 2019 knockout win over the hosts in Cairo, while Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan was part of the side that beat Bafana Bafana in the 1998 AFCON final. South Africa boss Hugo Broos also has history against Egypt, having led Cameroon to victory over the Pharaohs in the 2017 final.
South Africa now face a must-win clash against Zimbabwe on Monday, while Egypt already assured of a place in the last 16 meet Angola as they look to secure top spot in Group B.
