10 men Egypt beat South Africa in tense clash
Egypt defeated South Africa 1–0 in their AFCON 2025 Group B clash, with Mohamed Salah’s 45th minute penalty securing victory at the Stade Adrar in Agadir of Friday despite Egypt being reduced to 10 men. The Pharaohs now top the group and have qualified for the knockout stage.
The game which was drenched in VAR drama lived up to it’s billing of a top of the table clash with both sides showing attacking intent.
Mohamed Salah converted a penalty after a foul in the box, giving Egypt the lead just before the break with Aubrey Modiba committing the offense.
Bafana Bafana were given a lifeline after Mohamed Hany was sent off for a reckless challenge, leaving Egypt with 10 men for the entire second half.
South Africa pressed hard; Aubrey Modiba’s shot was brilliantly saved as Hugo Broos’ boys looked for an equaliser. Egypt held firm defensively, with El Shenawy making crucial saves at regular intervals.
Late drama followed in stoppage time when South Africa appealed for a penalty after a shot appeared to strike Yasser Ibrahim’s arm inside the area. After a VAR review, the referee upheld his original decision.
The result moves Egypt to six points in Group B, confirming their place in the Round of 16 with a match to spare. South Africa remain in contention, but must now win their final group fixture to guarantee progression.
Egypt will conclude their group campaign against Angola on Monday, while South Africa face a decisive Southern African derby against Zimbabwe at the Marrakesh Stadium.
Group B Standings (AFCON 2025)
| Position | Team | P | W | D | L | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Egypt | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | +2 | 6 |
| 2 | South Africa | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3 |
| 3 | Angola | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | -1 | 1 |
| 3 | Zimbabwe | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | -1 | 1 |
