AFCON 2025: Egypt edge South Africa as Comoros hold Zambia

Mohamed Salah’s penalty earned Egypt a 1–0 victory over South Africa as the seven-time champions secured qualification to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with a game to spare, despite playing the entire second half with 10 men.

Salah converted a controversially awarded spot-kick in the 45th minute to put the Pharaohs ahead, but Egypt were reduced to 10 players moments later when right-back Mohamed Hany was shown a second yellow card during first-half stoppage time at the Grand Stade d’Agadir on Friday, December 26.

South Africa responded with an attacking substitution at the break, bringing on Sipho Mbule for Thalente Mbatha, but struggled to break down a disciplined Egyptian side marshalled by goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy, who also posed a threat on the counter.

El Shenawy produced a crucial late save to deny Aubrey Modiba from close range after a clever backheel from Burnley forward Lyle Foster, and later dealt comfortably with Siyabonga Ngezana’s weak header deep into stoppage time.

Bafana Bafana were denied a potential handball penalty after the 90-minute mark following a VAR review by Burundian referee Pacifique Ndabihawenimana.

Angola’s draw with Zimbabwe earlier on Thursday confirmed Egypt’s place in the last 16, while South Africa sit two points above the Group B underdogs.

The teams conclude their group-stage campaigns on Monday (16:00 GMT), with South Africa facing Zimbabwe in Marrakesh and Egypt taking on Angola in Agadir.

In the other Group A fixture, Zambia and Comoros played out a goalless draw at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca.

The match was contested with great intensity, but clear-cut chances were few in a tightly fought encounter.

The draw takes Zambia to two points, keeping their qualification hopes alive heading into the final round of group matches. Comoros, meanwhile, collected their first point of the tournament, maintaining their slim hopes of reaching the knockout stage.

Both sides started cautiously, with a strong midfield battle dominating the early exchanges. Comoros briefly thought they had taken the lead in the 19th minute when Mzean Maoulida found the net, but the goal was ruled out following a VAR review for a foul in the build-up.

Despite pushing forward throughout the first half, Comoros were unable to break down a well-organised Zambian defence.