Mohamed Salah converted a first-half penalty as 10-man Egypt held on for a 1-0 victory over South Africa in their Africa Cup of Nations Group B clash in Agadir on Friday, becoming the first team to reach the knockout stages of the tournament.
Egypt now have six points from two matches, securing the top spot in the group with a game to spare. South Africa remain on three points, while Zimbabwe and Angola have one each after their 1-1 draw earlier in the day.
Salah earned the penalty when South African defender Khuliso Mudau clipped him in the face during a tussle in the box. The Liverpool star calmly converted, marking his 65th goal in international football and his second of the tournament.
Egypt were reduced to 10 men in added time at the end of the first half when right-back Mohamed Hany received a second yellow card for stamping on Teboho Mokoena, forcing Egypt to defend for the entire second half. Despite South Africa’s relentless pressure, including 17 second-half shots, Egypt goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy made key saves to preserve the lead.
South Africa were denied a penalty of their own following a lengthy VAR review, a decision that left coach Hugo Broos and his side frustrated. Lyle Foster’s flick to Aubrey Modiba created another close opportunity, but El Shenawy was equal to the task.
Egypt’s resolute rearguard performance under numerical disadvantage saw them secure a hard-fought win, while South Africa suffered their first competitive defeat under Broos in almost two years.
SOurce: Reuters
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
