SEVEN-TIME champions Egypt booked their place in the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with a game to spare after Mohamed Salah’s first-half penalty secured a hard-fought 1–0 victory over South Africa, despite the Pharaohs playing the entire second half with 10 men.
News Point Nigeria Sports reports that in another dramatic night of AFCON action, tournament hosts Morocco were held to a 1–1 draw by Mali in Rabat after a tense encounter dominated by VAR interventions, while Zambia and Comoros played out the first goalless draw of the competition in a subdued Group A clash in Casablanca.
Salah Delivers as Egypt Dig Deep Against South Africa
At the Fez Stadium, Liverpool star Mohamed Salah proved decisive once again, converting a controversial penalty in the 45th minute to give Egypt the lead against South Africa.
The spot kick was awarded after a VAR review, with Bafana Bafana players protesting the decision. Salah showed his composure, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to put the Pharaohs ahead just before the break.
Moments later, Egypt’s task became significantly harder when right-back Mohamed Hany received his second yellow card during first-half stoppage time, leaving Rui Vitória’s side to defend their slender lead with 10 men for the entire second half.
South Africa coach Hugo Broos responded by making an attacking substitution at half-time, introducing Sipho Mbule for Thalente Mbatha. Despite increased possession and pressure, Bafana Bafana struggled to break down Egypt’s disciplined defensive structure.
Goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy emerged as Egypt’s hero, producing a series of crucial saves. His most important intervention came late on when he denied Aubrey Modiba from close range after a clever backheel assist by Burnley forward Lyle Foster. El Shenawy also dealt comfortably with a weak header from Siyabonga Ngezana deep into stoppage time.
South Africa appealed for a late penalty after the ball appeared to strike an Egyptian defender’s hand inside the box, but Burundian referee Pacifique Ndabihawenimana, after consulting the pitchside monitor, waved play on.
Earlier on Thursday, Angola’s draw with Zimbabwe ensured that Egypt were mathematically guaranteed a place in the round of 16. South Africa remain in contention, sitting two points above the group’s underdogs ahead of the final round of matches.
Egypt will face Angola in Agadir on Monday (16:00 GMT), while South Africa take on Zimbabwe in Marrakesh.
In Group A, hosts Morocco missed the chance to secure early qualification after being held to a 1–1 draw by a resilient Mali side at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
The match turned into a tale of two penalties, both awarded after VAR reviews. Morocco broke the deadlock deep into first-half stoppage time when Brahim Diaz converted from the spot after Mali defender Nathan Gassama was penalised for handball.
The Atlas Lions appeared in control, but Mali responded strongly after the break. Just after the hour mark, Lassine Sinayoko was brought down inside the box by Jawad El Yamiq, prompting another VAR intervention. Sinayoko stepped up amid loud whistles from the home crowd and calmly squeezed his penalty underneath goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Mali goalkeeper Djigui Diarra produced a fine display to preserve the draw, notably denying Youssef En-Nesyri with a sharp save using his legs. He was also alert in the dying moments of the game, preventing an own goal by Woyo Coulibaly during a frantic period of added time.
The result leaves Morocco top of Group A on four points, with Mali and Zambia both on two points, while Comoros sit bottom with one point.
Morocco will face Zambia in Rabat on Monday (19:00 GMT), while Mali return to Casablanca to take on Comoros in a crucial final group fixture.
Earlier in Casablanca, Zambia and Comoros played out the first 0–0 draw of the 2025 AFCON in a match short on clear-cut chances.
The key moment came midway through the first half when Comoros striker Myziane Maolida appeared to have scored a simple tap-in after excellent wing play by Rafiki Said. However, VAR intervened to rule out the goal for a foul in the build-up, with Yacine Bourhane penalised for standing on Owen Tembo’s foot.
Comoros were the more adventurous side overall and came closest again in the second half when Faiz Selemani headed a deep cross onto the roof of the net with Zambia goalkeeper Willard Mwanza caught off his line.
The draw suits Comoros more than Zambia, leaving the island nation with one point ahead of their final group match against Mali. Zambia, now on two points, are likely to need a victory over hosts Morocco in Rabat to have any chance of progressing to the knockout stage.