Egypt vs South Africa: Salah scores twice at AFCON as Egypt secures its spot in the knockout stages
by Thobelani Moyo | by Thobelani Moyo
Ten-man Egypt hold firm to book their spot in the Round of 16
After securing wins in their opening matches of the 2025 African Cup of Nations, both Egypt and South Africa knew the importance of walking away with three points. However, it was the former who understood the assignment of what needed to be done at Stade Adrar.
The North African nation was aware that facing Bafana Bafana was never an easy task, but in the end, they prevailed in the face of adversity and secured three crucial points in a 1-0 victory.
For the Pharaohs, the result confirmed their progression to the knockout stages. Furthermore, this cemented their top spot in Group B. Hugo Broos' charges, on the other hand, will need to win their final group stage game against Zimbabwe on Monday if they are to picture themselves finishing as runners-up.
The tension at Stade Adrar was so intense that it felt tangible, with both nations treading with caution. In the first half, there were not many chances created by either side.
Omar Marmoush, the Manchester City man, had the opportunity to score from a free kick and give his side the lead in the 22nd minute, but his effort outside the penalty area was not enough to trouble Ronwen Williams as it went wide off the left post.
A couple of minutes went by, and Mohamed Salah managed to win a foul off Khuliso Mudau inside the box. After a short VAR check, the penalty was awarded, and the Liverpool winger slotted it in Panenka style to give his side a one-goal lead before halftime. The mood, however, was spoiled by Mohamed Hany receiving his marching orders in the first-half stoppage time after a second bookable offense resulted in a red card.
A wasteful South Africa left ruing their missed opportunities
Bafana Bafana had a quiet first half, registering one shot on target from one attempt through Lyle Foster's effort. With a numerical advantage at their disposal, things got a bit more interesting in the second half as they dominated proceedings.
It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for them to find an equalizer or even more get the job done against a disadvantaged Egypt side that opted to change its game plan to defend deep in a bid to protect their one-goal lead.
Hugo Broos' men had 17 shots on target compared to their opponents' four, and had 74% of ball possession. Despite this, it wasn't enough to see them find the equalizer. Unfortunately, our previous Egypt vs South Africa prediction was for the latter to score at least one goal, which didn't materialize, and neither did our secondary prediction for both teams to score.
Bafana Bafana was almost offered a lifeline through a penalty, but referee Pacifique Ndabihawenimana decided to consult with VAR. The conclusion indicated that there was no foul play.
Salah: From breaking records to scoring twice in a row for Egypt
Three days after scoring the winner in the Group B opener of the 2025 African Cup of Nations against Zimbabwe to guide his side to a 2-1 victory, Mohamed Salah was at the heart of Egypt's success this time against South Africa.
After being fouled by Khuliso Mudau in the penalty area, a penalty was awarded, and the Liverpool winger wasn't hesitant to take it as he scored in style.
The Egyptian King has now scored in two successive AFCON matches, and both were match-winning goals, which have seen Egypt progress to the knockout stages with one group stage game to spare.
This comes after he etched his name among the greatest in African football history to become the first player to score in five consecutive editions of the Africa Cup of Nations in the 2-1 win over Zimbabwe.
