Egypt booked their place in the AFCON round of 16 after a 1–0 victory over South Africa in the second round of Group B matches.
Egypt maintained their perfect start to the AFCON and became the first team to qualify for the knockout stage.
The game’s decisive moment arrived just before half-time. Mohamed Salah won a penalty after a clash with defender Khuliso Mudau, with the referee turning to VAR before pointing to the spot.
Salah then kept his nerve, converting in the 45th minute past goalkeeper Ronwen Williams to give Egypt the lead.
Egypt’s task became significantly tougher in stoppage time at the end of the first half, when right-back Mohamed Hany was sent off for a second booking, forcing the Pharaohs to play the entire second half with 10 men.
Hossam Hassan responded at the break by reshuffling his side, bringing on Emam Ashour for Omar Marmoush. Despite being a man down, Egypt still threatened on the counter, with Ashour going close in the 60th minute, only to be denied.
South Africa pushed late for an equaliser and appealed for a stoppage-time penalty. After another VAR review, the referee ruled against a penalty.
Goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy and Egypt’s back line stood firm under late pressure, shutting down Bafana Bafana’s attacks and preserving a clean sheet to the final whistle.
With the win, Egypt moves to six points and secures first place in Group B, while South Africa remain on three points in second.