AFCON: Salah spot on as Egypt progress to knockouts

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AFCON: Mohamed Salah scores only goal as Egypt progress to knockouts Updated / Friday, 26 Dec 2025 19:39 Mohamed Salah celebrates after scoring the only goal against South Africa Mohamed Salah scored a first-half penalty as 10-man Egypt ⁠beat South Africa 1-0 in their Africa Cup of Nations Group B clash in Agadir, booking their place in the knockout phase in the process. Salah won the penalty when he was clipped in the face by South Africa defender Khuliso Mudau as they tussled for the ball in the box, and stepped up to easily convert for his second goal of the tournament.

Mudau's shot forced a good save from El Shenawy as South Africa camped in their opponents’ half to try to force an equaliser. Lyle ‍Foster’s flick into the path of Aubrey Modiba created another opportunity from eight yards, but El Shenawy saved again and South Africa were left to ponder a frustrating defeat and ⁠their first competitive loss under coach Hugo Broos in almost two years.

The result leaves Egypt top on six points, with South Africa still in second on three points with a game agaisnt Zimbabwe to come. Zimbabwe’s veteran striker Knowledge Musona equalised ‍with the last kick of the first half.