egypt Edges South Africa 1-0 to Stay Perfect in AFCON Group B

Agadir, December 26, 2025 – In a tightly contested Group B clash at Adrar Stadium, Egypt carved out a 1-0 victory over South Africa, extending their perfect start to the Africa Cup of Nations campaign. A solitary goal from Mohamed Salah, converted via a first-half penalty, proved decisive as The Pharaohs maintained top spot with six points.

Breaking Down the key moments

Egypt advanced their lead in the 45th minute when Salah tucked away a spot-kick after Khuliso Mudau fouled a trailing attacker in the box. Earlier, Omar Marmoush had come close, sending a free kick narrowly wide in the 22nd minute as Egypt pressed from the outset.

The pressure continued into the second half,but Egypt had to navigate a setback when Mohamed Hany saw a second yellow card in first-half stoppage time,reducing the Egyptians to ten men. He had already been booked for an earlier protest following a foul on Tshepang Moremi in the 30th minute.

South Africa pushed for parity after the break, finding chances through Moremi adn Modiba that tested Egypt’s shot-stopper, Mohamed El Shennawy, who made a pair of key saves to preserve the advantage. Egypt responded with chances of their own, including Emam Ashour’s effort in the 60th minute that was repelled by Ronwen Williams.

As time wore on, South Africa’s urgency intensified, but El Shennawy remained vigilant, tipping away efforts from Modiba and Mokoena in the closing stages. In stoppage time, Siyabonga Ngezana directed a header narrowly wide as South Africa sought a late equalizer, but the strike failed to alter the outcome.

What it means for the group B standings

Egypt now sits atop Group B with six points. Their position is secure ahead of their final group match against Angola on December 29, regardless of that result. South Africa remain in second place on three points and must beat Zimbabwe to keep their knockout hopes alive.

Below is a snapshot of the key facts from the match.

Evergreen insights for fans and analysts

This result underlines how a single goal can decide a high-stakes group match. Egypt demonstrated resilience after going a man down, relying on tight organization and decisive finishing from Salah to convert a moment of quality into a crucial three points. The red card to Hany in first-half stoppage time altered the dynamic, forcing Egypt to defend resolutely while seeking opportunistic counterplay in the later stages.

South Africa’s approach showed their willingness to press for parity despite reduced numbers for portions of the match. The clean sheet for Egypt also reflects well on their defensive setup and goalkeeper Mohamed El Shennawy’s ability to repel late pressure. As the group nears its finale, the outcomes of the remaining fixtures will hinge on how teams balance defense with the need for results in the final third.

For Egypt, the road to the knockout rounds is clear: win or draw against Angola on December 29 seals advancement, with a strong goal difference ensuring they stay atop the table. South Africa must rebound against Zimbabwe to maintain a realistic path to the knockout stage, relying on a favorable set of results elsewhere.

Roster notes

The match saw a typical starting XI from Egypt anchored by El Shennawy in goal,with a frontline featuring Salah and marmoush. South Africa lined up Williams in goal and leaned on a compact back line to withstand the Egyptian pressure.

Two reader questions to ponder as Group B unfolds: How did Egypt’s defensive resolve adapt after the red card, and which team from this group do you expect to advance to the knockout rounds alongside Egypt?

Share your thoughts in the comments below and tell us which side you think will emerge from Group B to reach the knockout stage.