Salah's goal to Afsel's goal between Egypt advances to the 16th round of the 2002 African Cup of Nations 5

JAKARTA - A single goal from Mohamed Salah led the Egyptian national team to the 2025 African Cup of Nations 16th round after defeating South Africa with a score of 1-0 in the second match of Group B at the Adrar Stadium, Agadir, Friday local time.

Quoting Antara, in this match Salah scored Egypt's winning goal against South Africa through a penalty in the 45th minute, according to CAF's record.

Egypt managed to pack a victory in the match even though they had to play with 10 players from the 45th minute +2 after Mohamed Hany was given a red card by the referee.

Thanks to this victory, Egypt ensured their qualification to the last 16 after being ranked first in the provisional standings of Group B of the 2025 African Cup of Nations with six points from two matches.

On the other hand, the defeat keeps South Africa in second place in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Group B standings with three points from two matches, having the opportunity to qualify for the next round if they are able to win the last match.

Egypt took the initiative to attack first and had a golden opportunity to take the lead after receiving a penalty kick.

Salah who advanced as the executioner successfully carried out his duties well after his kick could not be stopped by South African goalkeeper Ronwen Williams so that the score changed to 1-0 in the 45th minute.

Furthermore, Egypt had to play with 10 men from the 45th minute +2 after full-back Mohamed Hany received a second yellow card from the referee.

On the other hand, South Africa tried to take advantage of the opportunity, increasing the pressure and deploying more players forward to look for the equalizer.

South Africa enjoyed a sustained period of pressure, but struggled to convert possession into clear-cut chances, with goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy dominating his area and Egypt's backline holding firm.

Despite their reduced number of players, Egypt remained a threat on the counter-attack, using Salah's movement and pace to reduce the pressure and disrupt South Africa's rhythm of play.

Furthermore, in the remaining time, South Africa tried to find an equalizer, but until the end of the match the score of 1-0 for Egypt's victory remained.