The second round of Group B at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) delivered a tense showdown between the early leaders, Egypt and South Africa. In a tightly contested encounter, the outcome was decided by a single, decisive moment.

Just before half-time, South Africa defender Khuliso Mudau conceded a foul inside the penalty area, prompting the referee to point to the spot. As expected, Mohamed Salah stepped up and calmly converted the penalty, giving Egypt a crucial lead.

However, drama followed almost immediately. Only two minutes later, Salah’s teammate Mohamed Hany was shown a second yellow card, leaving Egypt to play the entire second half with ten men.

South Africa pushed relentlessly in search of an equaliser, dominating the statistics with 18 shots to Egypt’s 6 and 6 shots on target compared to 3. Despite sustained pressure, the Egyptian defence held firm, showing discipline and resilience to protect their narrow advantage.

The result sends Egypt to the top of Group B with six points from two matches, putting them firmly in control of their qualification destiny. South Africa, meanwhile, remain second with three points, still well placed but with no margin for error.

2025 Africa Cup of Nations

Egypt - RSA 1:0 (1:0)
Goals: Salah, 45 (penalty) (1:0)

Egypt: El Shenawy M.; Hany (till 45); Rabia; Ibrahim; Hamdy Sharaf; Ateya; Hassan (Shehata, 80); Fathi H.; Zizo (Lasheen, 80); Salah (Faisal, 90); Marmoush (Ashour, 46)
Substitution: Ashour (from 46); Shehata (from 80); Lasheen (from 80); Faisal (from 90)
Bench: El Shenawy A.; Shobeir; Sobhi; Abdelmaguid; Fotouh; Eid; Saber; Fathi; Adel; Mohsen; Mostafa Mohamed
Yellow Cards: Hany 30, 45
Red cards: Hany 45'

RSA: Williams Ro.; Modiba; Mbokazi; Mudau; Ngezana; Mokoena; Mbatha (Mbule, 46); Sithole (Makgopa, 75); Appollis (Mofokeng, 69); Moremi (Mokwana, 80); Foster L.
Substitution: Mbule (from 46); Mofokeng (from 69); Makgopa (from 75); Mokwana (from 80)
Bench: Chaine; Goss; Smith T.; Ndamane; Kabini; Sibisi; Matuludi; Aubaas; Nkota; Campbell S.
Yellow Cards: Mokoena 20; Mudau 43; Foster L. 43