Egypt edge South Africa to become first team through to AFCON last 16

Despite playing the entire second half with ten men, Egypt defeated South Africa 1–0 through a Mohamed Salah penalty to secure their place in the AFCON 2025 knockout stages.

Egypt became the first nation to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations knockout rounds following a resilient 1–0 victory over South Africa on Friday.

The Pharaohs broke the deadlock in the 45th minute through a Mohamed Salah penalty, awarded after a VAR review confirmed a foul by Khuliso Mudau.

Salah’s audacious ‘Panenka’ finish provided the lead, though the celebrations were short-lived as defender Mohamed Hany received a second yellow card moments later.

Playing the entire second half with ten men, Egypt relied on a disciplined defensive structure and the heroics of goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy.

South Africa dominated possession and pressured the Egyptian backline, creating several clear opportunities to equalize.

Khuliso Mudau nearly redeemed himself with a powerful low drive in the 74th minute, but El Shenawy produced a spectacular save to maintain the advantage for the Group B leaders.

The match concluded with high tension as a late South African appeal for a handball by Yasser Ibrahim went to VAR.

However, the referee ultimately decided against a penalty, sealing Bafana Bafana’s defeat.

Egypt will now conclude their group stage against Angola with their progression guaranteed, while South Africa must face regional rivals Zimbabwe in a high-stakes final fixture to determine their fate in the tournament.