Mohamed Salah on Target as Egypt Beat South Africa Despite Red Card

Kenya, 26 December 2025 - Egypt continued their strong start to AFCON 2025 with a hard-fought 1–0 victory over South Africa in their Group B clash at Le Grand Stade Agadir on Friday, thanks to a first-half penalty from Mohamed Salah.

The defining moment came just before the break. Following a VAR review for a foul on Salah inside the box, the referee awarded a penalty to Egypt, and Salah  stepped up and coolly converted in the 45th minute to give the Pharaohs the lead. The Egyptian captain showed his experience and composure from the spot, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way and sparking celebrations among the home crowd.

However, Egypt’s advantage was tempered shortly after the goal when Mohamed Hany was shown a second yellow card in the 45+2nd minute, reducing the seven-time African champions to ten men just as the half ended. The dismissal forced Egypt to reorganise defensively for the entire second half.

South Africa pressed for an equaliser after the interval, taking advantage of their numerical superiority. The Bafana Bafana created several opportunities, with efforts from Tshepang Moremi and Aubrey Modiba testing Mohamed El-Shenawy, who produced key saves to keep Egypt’s lead intact.

Despite the pressure, Egypt’s disciplined defence and tactical shape prevented South Africa from finding a breakthrough. Manager Hossam Hassan also made tactical adjustments early in the second half, introducing Emam Ashour to help shore up midfield after falling to ten men.