Pharaohs hold firm after Mohamed Hany red card to secure top spot in Group B with 1-0 win.

Egypt vs South Africa AFCON 2025

Salah Strikes Again as Egypt Advance

Egypt became the first team to qualify for the Round of 16 at AFCON 2025 with a gritty 1-0 win over South Africa in their Group B clash at the Stade Adrar in Agadir on Friday, December 26, 2025.

Mohamed Salah was the hero once more, converting a first-half penalty (around 45′) after a VAR review awarded a spot-kick for a foul on the captain by Khuliso Mudau.

The goal came amid controversy, with some viewing the decision as soft.

Drama escalated when Mohamed Hany received a straight red card late in the first half for a stamp, leaving the Pharaohs with 10 men for the entire second period.

South Africa dominated the second half, launching wave after wave of attacks and feeling aggrieved after a late handball penalty appeal was waved away following VAR check.

Goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy made crucial saves to preserve the clean sheet.

The win gives Egypt six points from two games, confirming top spot due to head-to-head tiebreaker rules.

Bafana Bafana stay on three points and need a result against Zimbabwe to advance.

Key Moments

  • 45′: Mohamed Salah penalty – Egypt 1-0
  • Late first half: Mohamed Hany red card
  • Second half: South Africa denied penalty via VAR

A resilient display from the seven-time champions, with Salah’s clutch moment proving decisive yet again.

South Africa showed fight but rue missed opportunities in a match that could have gone either way.

Group B heats up – Egypt through, battle on for second spot.