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a controversial mohammed salah Penalty took Egypt to last-16 Africa Cup of Nations Despite being reduced to 10 players for the entire second half against South Africa, who were denied a penalty of their own at the death.
After a slow start, the game came alive towards the end of the first half when Salah was caught by South African defender Khuliso Mudau through a through ball in the box. VAR recommended an on-field review and a penalty was awarded, with Salah keeping his cool and converting it midway through.
South Africa were given a lifeline near half-time when Egypt were reduced to 10 when Mohamed Hani picked up his second yellow card for misjudging an unnecessary challenge on the touchline. Despite the numerical advantage, South Africa struggled to break Egypt and barely posed any threat to Egypt.
But, in stoppage time, Egypt escaped another VAR review when a shot from South Africa’s Teboho Mokoena hit the diving Yasser Ibrahim just on the edge of the box. Referee Pacifica Ndabihavenimana, who had initially awarded the free-kick to South Africa, was referred to the pitch-side monitor, but overturned his decision and no penalty was awarded.
Egypt has now reached the last-16 with two wins in its first two matches. South Africa will need a result against Zimbabwe to progress and set up a possible last-16 clash with Ivory Coast or Cameroon.
Follow all the latest from the Africa Cup of Nations clash with our live blog below:
South Africa appeal late penalty as Mohamed Salah sends Egypt through
Mohamed Salah scored a first-half penalty as 10-man Egypt defeated South Africa 1-0 in Group B of the Africa Cup of Nations to become the first team to reach the knockout stage of the competition.
Egypt have six points from their opening two matches and have won their group with one game remaining. South Africa have three points from their two matches, while Zimbabwe and Angola have one point each as they were tied 1-1 at the start of the day.
jamie braidwood26 December 2025 17:58
AFCON 2025: Complete fixtures, results, tables and schedule from the Africa Cup of Nations
Here’s what it has done to the Afcon Group B table:
Harry Latham-Coyle26 December 2025 17:20
FT: Egypt 1-0 South Africa
After the full-time whistle, South Africa’s players, manager Hugo Bruce and staff strongly reprimanded referee Pacific Ndabihavenimana. Should he have been fined? It certainly looked as if Yasser Ibrahim had been handled inside the box, but the officials ruled that the hand contact was accidental as he slid in to block.
Harry Latham-Coyle26 December 2025 17:09
FT: Egypt 1-0 South Africa
Egypt top Group B and are officially through to the Round of 16 – but what drama happened at the end of both halves against South Africa. Mohamed Salah’s spot-kick was controversially awarded after a VAR review after the Egypt captain was hit in the face by the ball, which proved to be the difference, while Bafana Bafana feel they should have had a penalty of their own after a late hand-ball.
Amidst all this, it was an impressive defensive performance from Egypt with Mohamed Hani being dismissed just before half-time.
Harry Latham-Coyle26 December 2025 17:05
Egypt 1-0 South Africa, 90+12 mins
Deflected absolutely wide! A powerful shot from Aubrey Modiba deflected off Yasir Ibrahim’s head and away from goal – and a goal kick was awarded in error! It must be him, for sure…
Harry Latham-Coyle26 December 2025 17:02
Egypt 1-0 South Africa, 90+10 mins
The clock moves towards the 100 minute mark. The end is definitely near. Osama Faisal takes the ball to the left corner, Mohammed Shehata to the right. Shehata stepped in and fired, perhaps unwisely, giving South Africa at least one more attacking chance.
Harry Latham-Coyle26 December 2025 at 17:00
Egypt 1-0 South Africa, 90+8 mins
What an opportunity! A perfectly free header for Siyabonga Ngezana, left all alone on the penalty spot, but it’s too weak and wayward, and Khulis Moudou can’t beat Mohamed El Shenawy on the bouncing ball. big center-half Was To do better.
Harry Latham-Coyle26 December 2025 16:58
Egypt 1-0 South Africa, 90+6 mins
Egypt goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy hit the deck in his own area after punching out South Africa’s latest cross. Time is ticking for Bafana Bafana.
Harry Latham-Coyle26 December 2025 16:56
