Mohamed Salah scored a first-half penalty as 10-man Egypt defeated South Africa 1–0 in their Africa Cup of Nations Group B clash, becoming the first team to reach the knockout stage. Egypt now have six points from two games and have secured top spot in the group with a match to spare.
Salah won and converted the decisive penalty after being clipped in the face by defender Khuliso Mudau while contesting the ball in the box. The goal was Salah’s second of the tournament and his 65th in international football, giving Egypt the lead before the break.
Egypt were reduced to 10 men late in the first half when right-back Mohamed Hany was sent off for stamping on Teboho Mokoena. South Africa dominated the second half, recording 17 shots, but missed chances and strong goalkeeping from Mohamed El Shenawy condemned them to a frustrating defeat.