Mohamed Salah was on target as Egypt edged South Africa 1–0 in Agadir on Friday, becoming the first team to qualify for the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Liverpool forward scored the decisive goal from the penalty spot in the 45th minute, sending the Pharaohs into halftime with the lead.
Egypt, however, were forced to play the entire second half with 10 men after right-back Mohamed Hany received a second yellow card for stamping in first-half stoppage time, followed by a red.
South Africa pushed for an equaliser but were controversially denied a late penalty when defender Yasser Ibrahim appeared to handle the ball inside the Egyptian box.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Egypt held firm to secure their second consecutive victory in Group B.
With six points from two matches, the seven-time African champions are guaranteed a top-two finish and a place in the round of 16.
South Africa remain on three points, while Angola and Zimbabwe each have one point after sharing a 1–1 draw earlier in Marrakesh.
Salah, who arrived at the tournament after missing the starting lineup in five consecutive Liverpool matches—a situation that reportedly led to tension with manager Arne Slot—was involved early on.
He had Egypt’s first clear chance after 11 minutes but failed to connect properly with a low cross from Hany.
Egypt dominated much of the opening half, pushing forward consistently, while South Africa stayed compact and relied on disciplined defending.
Salah also delivered a dangerous free-kick into the South African penalty area, but none of his teammates could make the final touch.
The victory cements Egypt’s early dominance in the group and underlines their credentials as strong contenders for the AFCON 2025 title.
