10-man Egypt held their nerve in a tense Group B clash against South Africa, and a single moment of brilliance from Mohamed Salah proved decisive in the AFCON 2025 clash.
Although the Pharaohs finished the contest with 10 men, they displayed remarkable composure to defeat Bafana Bafana, and seal qualification with one game left.
The breakthrough arrived on the stroke of half-time, coming from the penalty spot after a lengthy VAR intervention stirred controversy. Salah stepped forward with trademark calmness and lofted home a Panenka finish that stunned the stadium.
The joy was barely celebrated before Mohamed Hany received a second yellow, dramatically changing the complexion of the match.
However, South Africa sensed opportunity and made early attacking changes to tilt momentum, but Egypt refused to buckle and continued to threaten on rare breaks. Goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy rose to the occasion repeatedly, pulling off huge stops and commanding his defence brilliantly. His late reflex save to deny Aubrey Modiba was particularly crucial.
Egypt dig deep under relentless pressure
Meanwhile, South Africa’s frustration deepened as they chased parity through waves of pressure without finding the killer touch.
Additionally, Siyabonga Ngezana and Evidence Makgopa both saw late openings drift away. Even a potential stoppage-time penalty review ended in disappointment when the referee decided the handball was not punishable.
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Earlier group results confirmed Egypt’s last-16 ticket, and therefore the seven-time champions can now approach their final game with greater freedom. Angola’s draw means they stay firmly in control of qualification, while South Africa must now avoid mistakes to survive.
Salah’s goal also inches him closer to Egypt’s all-time scoring record. Hany’s dismissal may serve as a cautionary lesson, but Egypt’s spirit overshadowed the setback in impressive fashion.
South Africa cannot dwell too long on regrets, as their meeting with Zimbabwe now carries massive importance. Egypt, meanwhile, turn toward Angola knowing top spot is within reach.
