Egypt secured a crucial 1-0 victory over South Africa in their Group B Africa Cup of Nations encounter, with Mohamed Salah’s first-half penalty proving decisive despite playing the entire second half with 10 men.
The Pharaohs dominated early proceedings, with Salah missing a golden opportunity in the 11th minute when a cross from wide left the Liverpool star unmarked but unable to connect. Egypt continued to threaten, with another free-kick opportunity going begging in the 18th minute as attackers congested the penalty area.
Teboho Mokoena received a yellow card in the 20th minute following a challenge in Egypt’s final third, leading to another set-piece opportunity. Omar Marmoush stepped up but pushed his direct effort wide of Ronwen Williams’ goal, letting South Africa off the hook.
Siyabonga Mbokazi impressed in defence during the opening quarter, dealing effectively with several through balls that penetrated the South African backline. Egypt enjoyed superior possession and created more chances whilst both sides engaged in a tactical midfield battle, launching long balls towards their respective attacking players.
South Africa’s best first-half opportunity arrived in the 30th minute when Lyle Foster showed excellent strength to hold up play from a through ball, but his awkward strike was easily collected by Egypt’s goalkeeper.
The match’s decisive moment came in the 41st minute when VAR awarded Egypt a penalty after Khuliso Mudau’s arm connected with Salah’s face inside the penalty area. Salah made no mistake from the spot, sending Williams the wrong way to give Egypt a 1-0 lead just before the interval.
Egypt’s task became significantly more challenging on the stroke of half-time when Mohamed Hany received a second yellow card, reducing the Pharaohs to 10 men.
Bafana Bafana emerged from the break with renewed intensity, exploiting their numerical advantage to dominate the second half. Tshepang Moremi continued South Africa’s pressure in the 57th minute, gliding through the Egyptian defence but lacking sufficient power behind his effort.
Williams produced a wonderful reflex save in the 60th minute as Egypt managed one of their few second-half attempts. South Africa thought they had received a penalty, only for the Mudau to be controversially ruled for offside.
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Bafana Bafana continued their relentless attacking approach, with Mudau striking brilliantly in the 74th minute, though his effort went straight to the goalkeeper. Foster’s clever backheel found Makgopa in the 79th minute, but again the shot was directed at the Egyptian custodian.
South Africa appealed for a penalty in the 87th minute after a shot deflected off an Egyptian hand, but VAR upheld the referee’s decision to award only a free-kick, leaving the Bafana management livid.
Despite sustained pressure, Egypt held firm to secure all three points.
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