Egypt became the first team to secure a spot in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations knockout stage after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over South Africa in Agadir, Morocco, on December 27. The Pharaohs now lead Group B with six points, showcasing their dominance in this year's tournament.
Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah sealed the win with a 34th-minute penalty, awarded after South African defender Khuliso Mudau clipped his face during a box challenge. This marks Salah's second goal in the competition, reinforcing his pivotal role in Egypt's campaign.
The match turned tense before halftime when Egypt's Mohamed Hany received a second yellow card for stamping on Teboho Mokoena, reducing his team to 10 players. Despite numerical superiority, South Africa failed to capitalize, with Mudau's late strike thwarted by goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy.
The loss ends South Africa's two-year unbeaten competitive streak under coach Hugo Broos. Bafana Bafana remain second in the group with three points, keeping their knockout hopes alive ahead of their final group match.
