Pharaohs Top Group B Unbeaten After Tense 1-0 Win Over South Africa and Goalless Draw with Angola.

Egypt AFCON 2025 knockout qualification

Egypt, led by superstar captain Mohamed Salah, have officially advanced to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, becoming one of the first teams to book their spot in the Round of 16.

The Pharaohs sealed qualification with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over South Africa on December 26, thanks to a controversial first-half penalty converted by Salah – his second goal in as many games after a late winner against Zimbabwe.

Despite being reduced to 10 men shortly before halftime, Egypt held firm defensively to secure the three points and early progression from Group B.

In their final group game on December 29 against Angola, a rotated Egypt side (resting key players like Salah) played out a 0-0 draw, finishing top of the group unbeaten with seven points. South Africa joined them in the knockouts after a dramatic win over Zimbabwe.

Alongside Nigeria and Algeria, who also won their first two matches. Egypt are among the early confirmed qualifiers as the group stage concludes. The record seven-time champions now turn focus to the Round of 16, with Salah’s form a major boost in their bid for an eighth title.

The knockout draw awaits, but the Pharaohs are marching on.