Salah penalty sends Egypt past South Africa in tight Group B clash
- Mohamed Salah kept his cool from the spot as Egypt edged South Africa 1-0 in a bruising AFCON Group B encounter, with the Pharaohs showing resilience to protect their lead deep into stoppage time.
Egypt strengthened their position in Africa Cup of Nations Group B after grinding out a 1-0 victory over South Africa at the Stade d Agadir on Friday evening. The match was tense, physical, and finely balanced, with one moment of quality from Mohamed Salah proving decisive.
The opening exchanges were cagey as both sides prioritised defensive shape and midfield control. South Africa pressed aggressively and tested Egypt through quick transitions, but Mohamed El Shenawy remained alert to deny early efforts from Lyle Foster and Tshepang Moremi.
Egypt gradually grew into the contest, with Salah and Omar Marmoush drawing fouls in dangerous areas. The breakthrough arrived in the 45th minute following a VAR review, after Salah was brought down in the penalty area by Khuliso Mudau. The Liverpool forward stepped up and confidently dispatched the spot kick straight down the middle to give Egypt the lead.
Moments later, the game turned even more dramatic when Mohamed Hany was shown a second yellow card deep into first half stoppage time, leaving Egypt to play the entire second half with ten men. Despite the setback, the Pharaohs went into the break holding their narrow advantage.
South Africa dominated possession after the restart and threw bodies forward in search of an equaliser. Teboho Mokoena and Relebohile Mofokeng both went close from range, while a series of corners and crosses tested Egypts defensive resolve.
El Shenawy produced a string of crucial saves, including point blank stops from Siyabonga Ngezana and Aubrey Modiba, as South Africa continued to apply relentless pressure. A late VAR check for a possible South Africa penalty added to the drama, but the decision went in Egypts favour.
In the closing minutes, Egypt relied on discipline, experience, and time management to see out the match, even as South Africa pushed until the twelfth minute of added time. When the final whistle sounded, Salahs first half penalty stood as the difference.
The result leaves Egypt well placed in Group B, while South Africa are left to rue missed chances in a match where effort was not lacking.
