Mohamed Salah’s first-half penalty was enough to seal a 1–0 victory for Egypt over South Africa in a tense Group B encounter at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations, securing the Pharaohs’ passage to the knockout stage. The tightly contested match in Agadir was decided just before half-time after South Africa conceded a spot kick, which the Egyptian captain calmly converted down the middle.
Okay News gathered that the game swung further in Egypt’s favour moments later despite them being reduced to 10 men, as Mohamed Hany was sent off for a second bookable offence before the break.
South Africa dominated possession in the second half and pushed hard for an equaliser, but struggled to create clear chances, with goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy standing firm whenever called upon.
With the win, Egypt confirmed their place in the next round of the tournament and will need at least a draw in their final group game to finish as winners.
South Africa, whose long unbeaten run came to an end, still have qualification in their own hands as they prepare for a decisive clash against Zimbabwe.
