Rabat, Morocco – The Egyptian national team secured its qualification for the round of 16 of the Africa Cup of Nations, after defeating its South African counterpart by one goal to nil, in the match that brought them together on Friday evening.
The two teams met at the Adrar Stadium in the Moroccan capital, Rabat, as part of the second round of the group stage of the tournament.
The Egyptian national team started the match strongly, imposing their control over the course of the game, but without posing a real threat to South Africa’s goal in the opening minutes.
In the 42nd minute, the referee awarded a penalty to Egypt. This came after a strong challenge by a South African player on Mohamed Salah inside the penalty area, following a VAR review.
Mohamed Salah successfully converted the penalty kick, firing the ball into the middle of the goal. The first half ended with Egypt leading 1-0.
🥅🇪🇬 محمد صلاح يفتتح التسجيل للمنتخب المصري من علامة الجزاء#كأس_أمم_إفريقيا | #مصر | #جنوب_إفريقيا pic.twitter.com/fripjVdvmO
— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS) December 26, 2025In the second half, the South African team intensified their efforts in search of an equalizer, and in the 55th minute, a dangerous cross was brilliantly saved by Mohamed El Shenawy.
South Africa continued to press in the remaining minutes, but failed to find the net against Egypt. The match ended with a 1-0 victory for the Pharaohs.
With this result, Egypt became the first team to qualify for the Round of 16 from Group B. This came after they increased their points tally to 6, topping the group. South Africa finished second with 3 points.
