Mohamed Salah converted a controversial penalty to secure a 1-0 victory for Egypt against South Africa in their Africa Cup of Nations group stage match in Agadir. The win advances the seven-time champions to the last 16 despite playing with 10 men after Mohamed Hany's red card. South Africa, who beat Angola in their opener, now face a decisive final group game.
Egypt faced South Africa on December 26, 2025, in Agadir as part of Group B at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. The match kicked off at 15:00 GMT, with Egypt starting strongly after their 2-1 comeback win over Zimbabwe earlier in the tournament, where Salah scored a 91st-minute winner.
In the 45th minute, referee Pacifique Ndabihawenimana awarded Egypt a penalty after Khuliso Mudau struck Salah in the face with his arm. The incident, which appeared innocuous, was reviewed via pitchside monitor and deemed unlawful. Salah calmly converted the spot kick, giving Egypt a 1-0 lead just before halftime.
During first-half added time, Egypt's Mohamed Hany was sent off for an ill-timed challenge on Teboho Mokoena, following an earlier caution for dragging back Tshepang Moremi. This reduced Egypt to 10 players, making the second half a defensive battle. South Africa pressed but could not equalize, with Egypt surviving a late VAR check for a potential handball by Yasser Ibrahim.
Egypt's lineup included Mohamed El Shenawy in goal, with defenders Mohamed Hany, Yasser Ibrahim, and Rami Rabia, midfielders Marwan Attia and Zizo, and forwards Salah, Omar Marmoush, and Trezeguet. South Africa fielded Ronwen Williams in goal, defenders Khuliso Mudau and Siyabonga Ngezana, midfielders Teboho Mokoena and Sphephelo Sithole, and forwards Oswin Appollis, Lyle Foster, and Tshepang Moremi.
This result marks Egypt's second consecutive group-stage win, extending their unbeaten run in open play at AFCON to 12 matches (five wins, seven draws). Their last defeat in such games came against Nigeria in 2021. South Africa, coming off a 2-1 victory over Angola, have won their opener for the first time since 2004 but now need points from their final group match against Zimbabwe to secure advancement.
The victory secures Egypt's place in the last 16, regardless of their final group game against Angola on December 29.
