AFCON 2025: Salah Penalty, VAR Controversy Lift 10-Man Egypt Past South Africa
2 min read
By Sedara Philip
Mohamed Salah’s first-half penalty proved decisive as Egypt edged South Africa 1–0 in a tense and controversial Group B encounter at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Friday in Agadir.
The Liverpool forward showed trademark composure from the spot, calmly chipping his effort down the middle to beat Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Ronwen Williams moments before halftime.
The goal maintained Egypt’s perfect start to the tournament and kept the Pharaohs top of Group B, despite playing the entire second half with ten men.
Egypt began the contest on the front foot, dominating possession and asserting control through a disciplined midfield display.
The North Africans looked the more assured side in the opening exchanges, with Omar Marmoush coming closest to breaking the deadlock in the 22nd minute when his well-struck free kick narrowly missed the target, leaving Williams stranded.
The game, however, took a dramatic turn late in the first half. Salah went down in the penalty area after a challenge from South Africa right back Khuliso Mudau, clutching his face as the referee consulted VAR.
After a lengthy review, the decision controversially went in Egypt’s favor, awarding a penalty that Salah confidently converted.
Drama continued shortly afterward when Egypt’s right back Mohamed Hany was shown a second yellow card following a rash challenge, reducing the Pharaohs to ten men just before the break.
The dismissal forced Egypt into a more defensive approach for the remainder of the match.
South Africa attempted to capitalize on their numerical advantage in the second half but found it difficult to break down Egypt’s well-organized and resilient defense.
Despite enjoying more possession, Bafana Bafana struggled to create clear-cut chances against a disciplined Egyptian backline.
Controversy resurfaced deep into stoppage time when Teboho Mokoena’s mishit shot struck the arm of defender Yasser Ibrahim at the edge of the penalty area.
Another prolonged VAR review followed, but referee Pacifique Ndabhihawenimana opted to stick with his initial decision of awarding only a free kick outside the box.
South Africa failed to convert the resulting opportunity, and Egypt held firm until the final whistle.
The hard-fought victory leaves Egypt in a strong position heading into their final Group B fixture against Angola on Monday.
South Africa, meanwhile, will seek redemption against regional rivals Zimbabwe on the same day.
Earlier on Friday, Angola and Zimbabwe shared the spoils in a 1–1 draw, keeping the group finely balanced heading into the final round of matches.
Sedara Philip is a Sports writer, an administrator,Journalist,and editor
