Mohamed Salah scored the only goal of the game as Egypt beat South Africa to book their place in the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Liverpool winger won a penalty in the closing minutes of the first half after he was struck in the face by Khuliso Mudau, then stepped up to convert it himself.
However, Egypt finished the first half with 10 men after right-back Mohamed Hany was sent off for a second bookable offence. Emam Ashour replaced Omar Marmoush after the break and was deployed at right-back.
South Africa dominated the second half but failed to make their extra man count, as they could not find a way past veteran goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy.
Respect to the stands, from the legend, Hossam Hassan. 👏🇪🇬#TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 | #WeCelebrateDifferent pic.twitter.com/pDOnTox3Wf
— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) December 26, 2025
It was double revenge for the Pharaohs. Egypt were keen to make amends for their 2019 AFCON defeat against South Africa in Cairo and the early exit on home soil. While South Africa coach Hugo Broos was the man who led Cameroon to victory against Egypt in the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations final.
With this result, and Angola’s draw against Zimbabwe earlier today, Egypt are guaranteed to finish top of Group B. They will now face one of the best third-placed teams from Groups A, C or D in the round of 16.
Group B Standings
| Team | W | D | L | F | A | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Egypt | 2 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 7 |
| South Africa | 2 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 4 | 6 |
| Angola | 0 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 2 |
| Zimbabwe | 0 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 7 | 1 |
Match Highlights
Match Info
Africa Cup of Nations
Morocco 25
Date: 26 December 2025
Venue: Adrar Stadium
City: Agadir, Morocco
Attendance: 40,219
Egypt (1)
South Africa (0)
1-0 Mohamed Salah 45′
Egypt
Mohamed El Shenawy
Mohamed Hamdy
Ramy Rabia
Yasser Ibrahim
Mohamed Hany ▮ 45+2′
Hamdy Fathi
Marwan Attia
Trezeguet
Mohamed Shehata 80′
Zizo
Mohanad Lasheen 80′
Omar Marmoush
Emam Ashour 46′
Mohamed Salah
Osama Faisal 90′
South Africa
Ronwen Williams
Khuliso Mudau
Siyabonga Ngezana
Mbekezeli Mbokazi
Aubrey Modiba
Thabo Mbatha
Relebohile Mofoking 69′
Teboho Mokoena
Sphephelo Sithole
Evidence Makgopa75‘
Tshepang Moremi
Elias Mokwana 80‘
Oswin Appollis
Sipho Mbule 46′
Lyle Foster
Referee
Pacifique Ndabihawenimana (Burundi)
Yellow Cards
Mohamed Hany (EGY)
Teboho Mokoena (RSA)
Lyle Fostser (RSA)
Khuliso Mudau (RSA)
Red Cards
Mohamed Hany (EGY) 45+2′
