Egypt became the first nation to qualify for the round of 16 at the 2025 African Cup of Nations in Morocco after earning a 1-0 win over South Africa in Agadir on Friday, SportPremi Reports.
Mohamed Salah scored the only goal of the game from the penalty spot in the first half as the Pharaohs hung in to claim maximum points, despite playing the entire second half with a man down following Mohamed Hany’s dismissal in the first half.
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Egypt now have six points from two matches so far, while South Africa’s hopes of reaching the knockout stages were dashed despite a spirited performance.
First half: Salah’s penalty earn 10-men Egypt first half advantage
Both sides headed into the clash hoping for a favorable outcome as they chase qualification to the knockout stages.
South Africa dominated possession, but Egypt had the clearer chances to take the lead as both sides took cautious approach to the tie.
Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos had spoken on the threat posed by Mohamed Salah ahead of the clash and it was the Liverpool star who made the difference in a dull first half.
The forward was caught in the face by Mudau in the box and after a pitch-side review, a penalty kick was given.
Salah stepped up and calmly converted to give Egypt a 1-0 lead with his second strike of the AFCON tournament.
There was still more drama in the half as Mohamed Hany was sent off in stoppage-time for Egypt after receiving a second caution.
Second half: Egypt hang on for win
Omar Marmoush came off at the interval as the Egyptians aimed to nullify the extra man advantage of South Africa.
Bafana Bafana started the half on top and had several chances to equalize, while Egypt also went close through Ashour, whose effort was saved by Williams.
El-Shenawy then kept his side’s one-goal advantage, making brilliant stops to deny Mudau and Moriba.
There was almost more drama in the final stages of the game following a handball by an Egyptian defender and after a VAR review for a spot-kick, the incident was adjudged to have happened outside the 18-yard area, hence no penalty kick.
Egypt held on for a 1-0 victory as they sealed their spots in the next round of the competition.
Players Ratings:
Egypt Players Ratings
- El Shenawy – 8.7/10
- Hany – 5.3/10
- Ibrahim – 7.5/10
- Fathi – 7.2/10
- Rabia – 7.6/10
- Hamdi – 7.7/10
- Zizo – 6.9/10
- Ateya – 6.9/10
- Trezeguet – 7.2/10
- Salah – 8.0/10
- Marmoush – 6.2/10
Substitutes
- Ashour – 6.6/10
- Shehata – 6.2/10
- Lasheen – 6.4/10
- Faisal – N/A
South Africa Players Ratings
- Williams – 6.6/10
- Modiba – 7.6/10
- Mbokazi – 7.7/10
- Ngezana – 6.8/10
- Mudau – 7.1/10
- Mokoena – 7.6/10
- Sithole – 6.5/10
- Moremi – 6.6/10
- Mbatha – 5.8/10
- Appollis – 6.3/10
- Foster – 6.0/10
Substitutes
- Mbule – 6.8/10
- Mofokeng – 6.7/10
- Makgopa – 6.1/10
- Mokwana – 5.8/10
Man of the match
Mohamed El Shenawy ( 8.7/10) – The veteran goalkeeper was the star of the show as the 10 men held on for a crucial victory. The Al Ahly shot-stopper made six saves and 12 recoveries to keep the Bafana Bafana attack at bay.
Key Stats
Ball Possession: Egypt 36% – 64% South Africa
Total Shots: Egypt 6 – 18 South Africa
Shots on target: Egypt 3 – 6 South Africa
Pass Accuracy: Egypt 79% – 88% South Africa
Corners: Egypt 4 – 7 South Africa
What Next?
Egypt will be hoping to make it three wins from three when they face Angola in their final group match next Monday.
South Africa, on the other hand, will be eyeing maximum points in their own final group game against Zimbabwe simultaneously.
