- 10-man Egypt beat South Africa 1–0 in a dramatic Group B clash of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025.
- The match took place at the Stade d’Agadir on Friday, December 26.
- Mohamed Salah scored the decisive goal from the penalty spot, while goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy delivered a series of spectacular saves in the second half.
Boxing Day delivered a dramatic and thrilling encounter as a Mohamed Salah penalty earned his side a second victory in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025), with 10-man Egypt stunning a dominant South Africa 1-0 at the Stade d’Agadir.
However, Egypt owe immense gratitude to their custodian Mohamed El Shenawy, whose crucial second-half saves secured the win, sealed their place in the round of 16, and sent them to the top of the group with six points and one match remaining.
The result also handed Bafana Bafana their first defeat of the tournament, currently being held in Morocco.
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10-man Egypt beat South Africa 1–0
Inside a packed stadium, the opening half was largely a cagey affair, with both sides battling in midfield and creating few clear chances, though the Pharaohs controlled much of the possession.
Egypt drew first blood in the 45th minute from the penalty spot after South Africa’s Khuliso Mudau swatted at Mohamed Salah’s face. The incident was reviewed by VAR, resulting in a penalty that Salah calmly converted to give his side the lead.
In a dramatic turn, Egypt were reduced to ten men before halftime.
Left-back Mohamed Hany, already on a yellow, committed a foul on Teboho Mokoena on the left wing and received a second booking, forcing his team to play the entire second half a man down.
After the break, South Africa pushed fiercely for an equalizer but squandered their opportunities, while Egypt remained organized defensively and threatened on the counter.
Just past the hour mark, South Africa had a clear chance to level when Mohamed El Shenawy fouled Mudau, but the opportunity was ruled offside. The intensity grew as Bafana Bafana continued to press.
El Shenawy produced a sensational save in the 73rd minute, denying Lyle Foster’s powerful close-range header, as luck continued to evade the South African attack.
The goalkeeper was called into action again in the 78th minute, comfortably gathering a shot from Aubrey Modiba after a neat build-up involving Foster.
Deep into stoppage time, South Africa believed they had been awarded a penalty for an alleged handball, but the referee overturned the decision after consulting VAR.
The match’s outstanding performer, Mohamed El Shenawy, made two more vital saves beyond the 100th minute, as Bafana Bafana ultimately failed to breach the resilient Egyptian defense.
The Pharaohs held on until the final whistle to claim a hard-fought victory.
Egypt vs South Africa – AFCON 2025 Round 2 – Group B Lineups
- Egypt Starting XI: Mohamed El Shenawy, Mohamed Hany (sent off first half), Yasser Ibrahim, Rami Rabia, Mohamed Hamdy, Marwan Attia, Zizo, Hamdi Fathy, Mohamed Salah, Omar Marmoush, Trezeguet
- South Africa Starting XI: Ronwen Williams, Khuliso Mudau, Siyabonga Ngezana, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Aubrey Modiba, Thalente Mbatha, Teboho Mokoena, Sphephelo Sithole, Oswin Appollis, Lyle Foster, Tshepang Moremi