By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
@CAFOnline.
Mohamed Salah’s penalty sends 10-man Egypt into the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations last 16 with a 1-0 victory over South Africa at the Adrar Stadium in Agadir on Friday.
Three days after netting an injury-time winner to secure a comeback win against Zimbabwe, Salah stepped up for his side yet again after slotting his penalty home, having been caught by the stray arm of Khuliso Mudau inside the area before the break.
Mohamed Hany picked up his second booking of the game two minutes later but despite being down to 10 men, Egypt held on to move three points clear of their opponents at the top of Group B.
But, deep in stoppage time, Egypt survived another VAR review after a shot from South Africa’s Teboho Mokoena struck a diving Yasser Ibrahim right on the edge of the box. Referee Pacifique Ndabihawenimana, who initially gave a free-kick to South Africa, was sent to the pitch-side monitor, but reversed his decision and no penalty was awarded.
The Pharaohs face Angola, who have just one point from their opening two games, in their final group fixture on December 29 but following their strong start to the tournament, their spot at the top of Group B is now confirmed due to AFCON tiebreaker rules.
Bafana Bafana are three points away, meaning if Egypt lose to Angola and South Africa beat Zimbabwe, they move level on points.
However, instead of goal difference, AFCON rules state head-to-head results would be taken into account, meaning Friday’s 1-0 win against South Africa ensures top spot for Egypt.