Egypt took a 1–0 lead over South Africa in their Africa Cup of Nations Group B clash in Agadir on Friday, thanks to a first-half penalty converted by captain Mohamed Salah.
The decisive goal came in the 45th minute after South Africa defender Khuliso Mudau conceded a foul in the penalty area, allowing Salah to slot a left-footed shot into the centre of the net.
Shortly after, Egypt were reduced to 10 men when Mohamed Hany received a second yellow card for a reckless challenge. Despite the dismissal, the Pharaohs went into the break leading, with the first half marked by disciplined defending and controlled possession.
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In the second half, South Africa increased the tempo and committed more players forward in search of an equaliser, while Egypt dropped deeper, relying on counter-attacks to threaten the Bafana Bafana defence.
South Africa continued to test Egypt with direct balls and late runs into the box, but a late VAR review for a potential penalty was overturned, leaving the score unchanged.
With the result, Egypt remain on course to move to six points in Group B, keeping them in strong contention for a place in the knockout stage.
