Egypt 1-0 South Africa | AFCON 2025 Group B | Adrar Stadium, Agadir
The seven-time champions have done it again. In a match that showcased everything that makes the Pharaohs so difficult to beat at continental level, Egypt ground out a 1-0 victory over South Africa that was as controversial as it was compelling.
Salah's Panenka: audacity under pressure
When referee Pacifique Ndabihawenimana pointed to the spot in the 45th minute after a VAR review showed Khuliso Mudau catching Mohamed Salah in the face, the Liverpool forward had a decision to make. With minimal contact and South Africa's players surrounding the official in protest, Salah stepped up and delivered the most nonchalant of finishes—a cheeky Panenka straight down the middle as Ronwen Williams dived to his right.
It was Salah's second goal in two games at this tournament, and perhaps his most important. "I'm very happy with the result," the Egyptian captain told beIN Sports after the match. "We controlled most phases of the match and had a solid game plan that worked perfectly. We got the three points, and that's what matters most."
Tactical breakdown: Egypt's defensive masterclass
Egypt's task became significantly more difficult when Mohamed Hany received his second yellow card for a late challenge on Teboho Mokoena just before half-time. Manager Hossam Hassan's side had to restructure their 4-3-3 into something more compact, and they executed it flawlessly.
The key figures in this defensive effort were:
- Mohamed El Shenawy - The Al Ahly goalkeeper produced a string of crucial saves, particularly denying Aubrey Modiba twice in the second half
- Yasser Ibrahim - The center-back survived a late VAR review for a potential handball that could have given South Africa a penalty
- Hamdi Fathy - Screened excellently in front of the back four despite being a man down
Egypt attempted just 4 shots in the second half compared to South Africa's 11, yet the Bafana Bafana couldn't find a way through.
Broos fumes at officiating
South Africa head coach Hugo Broos made no attempt to hide his frustration with the match officials. "It was a ridiculous penalty," the Belgian stated in his post-match press conference. "Then we should have had our penalty when Yasser Ibrahim blocked a shot with his arm. They told me nonsense about it being a supporting arm. Who invents a supporting arm?"
The defeat ended South Africa's impressive 12-game unbeaten streak—their last loss in open play came against Mali at AFCON 2023. It's a painful blow for a team that arrived in Morocco with genuine belief they could upset the established order.
What this means for Group B
Egypt's victory means they have already secured first place in Group B due to AFCON tiebreaker rules. Even if they lose their final game against Angola and South Africa beat Zimbabwe, the head-to-head result would keep Egypt on top.
For Salah, who has twice finished as AFCON runner-up (2017, 2021), this tournament represents another opportunity to finally add an international honor to his glittering collection. At 33, with his Liverpool future uncertain amid reported Saudi interest, there's an added urgency to his performances in Morocco.
South Africa's fate remains in their own hands. Victory against Zimbabwe on Monday would secure their passage to the knockout stages, where their defensive solidity and attacking threat could trouble anyone on their day.
Match stats
- Possession: Egypt 42% - South Africa 58%
- Shots: Egypt 8 - South Africa 15
- Shots on target: Egypt 3 - South Africa 5
- Man of the Match: Mohamed El Shenawy (Egypt)
Egypt face Angola in their final Group B match on December 29, while South Africa take on Zimbabwe in Marrakech on the same day.