Mohamed Salah converted a first-half penalty to secure Egypt’s 1-0 victory over South Africa in their Africa Cup of Nations Group B match, clinching their progression to the knockout stages. Salah won the spot-kick after being clipped in the face by defender Khuliso Mudau, marking his second goal of the tournament and 65th for Egypt.
Egypt played the entire second half with 10 men after right-back Mohamed Hany received a second yellow card for stamping on Teboho Mokoena. South Africa dominated possession and registered 17 second-half shots but lacked finishing quality. The team felt aggrieved after being denied a penalty for handball following a lengthy VAR review.
“Players gather around the referee Pacifique Ndabihawenimana while a penalty kick check is being conducted,” the report noted. South Africa’s defeat marks their first competitive loss under coach Hugo Broos in nearly two years. Egypt top Group B with six points, while South Africa remain on three points.