Salah’s controversial penalty sends 10-man Egypt past South Africa

Mohamed Salah’s penalty kick gave Group B leaders Egypt the edge for a 1-0 victory over South Africa on Friday at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The Liverpool star kept his composure to beat Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Ronwen Williams from the spot close to halftime. The North Africans held on for the victory in Agadir despite playing the entire second half with ten players after right back Mohamed Hany received a second yellow card in the final moments in the first half.

Egypt produced a composed effort that saw them seize control of the match from the early stages with possession and a strong midfield performance. Omar Marmoush came close to opening the scoring when his 22nd minute free kick went just wide with Williams beat.

But the match changed dramatically at the end of the first half when Salah went down clutching his face following a challenge in the penalty area with Bafana Bafana right back Khuliso Mudau. A VAR review controversially resulted in a penalty kick and Salah chipped his effort down the middle to beat Williams.

Shortly after, Hany’s rash challenge ended with the Al Ahly right back’s dismissal when he received a second yellow card, leaving Egypt in a defensive posture after the teams came out for the second half.

Bafana Bafana struggled to impose themselves on a well-organized defense and at the beginning of stoppage time, more controversy ensued when Teboho Mokoena’s fluffed shot went off the hand of Pharaohs defender Yasser Ibrahim at the edge of the penalty area.

After a long VAR review, referee Pacifique Ndabhihawenimana surprisingly decided to stay with his original call of a free kick just outside the box. Bafana Bafana failed to find a leveler during the extended stoppage time session and the full time whistle arrived to the relief of the North Africans.

The group leaders will finish up Group B action on Monday against Angola while Bafana will face neighbors Zimbabwe on the same day. Angola and Zimbabwe played to a 1-1 draw earlier on Friday.