Mohamed Salah scored as 10-man Egypt defeated 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 star converted a penalty in the 45th minute. South Africa was denied a spot-kick late in the second half when Yasser Ibrahim appeared to handle the ball inside the box.
Salah came to Morocco after not starting in five Liverpool matches, which led to an outburst against manager Arne Slot.
Egypt was reduced to 10 men in first-half added time when right-back Mohamed Hany was shown a second yellow card for a stamp, followed by a red.
After two rounds in Group B, record seven-time champions Egypt have six points and are guaranteed a top-two finish and a place in the
round of 16.
South Africa has three points, and Angola and Zimbabwe one each after drawing 1-1 in Marrakesh earlier.
The first chance fell to Salah after 11 minutes, but he couldn’t connect with a low cross from Hany quickly enough.
The majority of the crowd supported the Pharaohs, which became evident when the Burundi referee ignored Zizo’s appeals for a free-kick, leading to loud whistling throughout the stadium.
When Salah delivered a free-kick into the heart of the South African area, three Egyptians moved forward, but none could connect with the ball.
Midway through the first half, a pattern developed: Egypt regularly pushed forward while South Africa defended with calmness and solid tackling.
Salah was closely policed by Aubrey Modiba. When Teboho Mokoena fouled Omar Marmoush just outside the D, he was yellow-carded. However, the Manchester City striker fired the resultant free-kick wide.
As the first half progressed, the sun broke out in the southern coastal city, a welcome sight for players and spectators after many earlier group matches were staged in torrential rain.
A rare South African attack ended disappointingly with Lyle Foster striking a weak shot that was comfortably saved by 37-year-old Mohamed El Shenawy.
Awarded a free-kick close to the touchline, South Africa performed an intricate, multi-pass move that ended tamely as El Shenawy clutched a cross.
Was It A Penalty
Salah, closely policed by Modiba, retreated into the Egyptian half to retain possession as half-time drew near.
As the Egypt captain chased a loose ball with Khuliso Mudau, the South African right-back raised his left arm, striking Salah in the left eye.
Amid Egyptian protests, the Burundian referee viewed the incident on a VAR monitor and pointed to the penalty spot.
After a lengthy delay, Salah comfortably converted the penalty as Ronwen Williams dived in the wrong direction.
More drama erupted in added time when Hany stamped on Mokoena, leading to a second yellow card for the defender.
With a numerical advantage, South Africa attacked more in the second half, but Egypt came close to a second goal, with Williams foiling substitute Emam Ashour after a quick free-kick.
El Shenawy displayed his agility with 15 minutes remaining, using his right hand to tip to safety a low shot from Foster. It was one of several saves that kept Egypt ahead.
(With inputs from Agencies)
