Mohamed Salah’s Late Penalty Sends Egypt Through at AFCON

Mohamed Salah once again proved decisive as Egypt secured a narrow 1–0 victory over South Africa in their Africa Cup of Nations Group B clash, confirming qualification for the knockout stages of the tournament.

The match was settled by Salah in the first half after the Egypt captain won a penalty inside the box. Salah was clipped by South Africa defender Khuliso Mudau while battling for possession, and the referee pointed to the spot. Mohamed Salah calmly converted the penalty, scoring his second goal of the tournament and his 65th goal in international football.

Egypt Seal Group B with Mohamed Salah Strike

Thanks to Salah’s goal, Egypt moved to six points from two matches, guaranteeing top spot in Group B with one game still to play. South Africa remain on three points, while Zimbabwe and Angola each sit on one point following their earlier draw.

Mohamed Salah Watches as Egypt Go Down to 10 Men

Egypt’s task became more difficult just before half-time when right-back Mohamed Hany received a second yellow card for stamping on Teboho Mokoena. Reduced to 10 men, Egypt were forced to defend deep for the entire second half, with Mohamed Salah often tracking back to support his teammates.

South Africa dominated the second half and strongly appealed for a penalty after a suspected handball in the Egypt box. A lengthy VAR review was conducted, but the referee waved away the claims, leaving South Africa frustrated as Mohamed Salah and Egypt held firm.

South Africa fired 17 shots in the second half alone, but Egypt goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy produced several crucial saves to protect Salah’s advantage. Despite sustained pressure, South Africa lacked the finishing quality to punish Egypt’s numerical disadvantage.