Egypt Advances to Knockout Stage in AFCON 2025
In an intense match, Egypt, featuring star player Mohamed Salah, secured a narrow 1-0 victory over South Africa in Agadir, marking their advancement to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Salah’s successful penalty conversion at the 45-minute mark proved to be the decisive moment in a game that saw Egypt reduced to ten men early in the second half.
Match Overview
Friday’s match unfurled with a flurry of action, as Salah showcased his striking prowess despite a recent benching at Liverpool, which had stirred tensions with his club’s management. The match took a turn just before the half when Egypt lost Mohamed Hany, who received a second yellow card for a foul, leaving the Pharaohs to fend off South Africa with a dwindling squad.
Game Highlights
After two rounds in Group B, Egypt stands firm with six points, making them a guaranteed participant in the round of 16. South Africa trails with three points, while Angola and Zimbabwe have one point each after their 1-1 draw in Marrakesh earlier that day.
First Half Drama
The excitement began early as Salah nearly capitalized on a low cross from Hany within the first 11 minutes. The match atmosphere shifted significantly, reflecting the loud support from Egyptian fans, particularly when their appeals for a free kick were disregarded by the referee.
As the first half unfolded, Salah’s presence became paramount. A brief scuffle near the touchline resulted in a contentious moment when South Africa’s Khuliso Mudau struck Salah in the eye. Following a VAR review initiated by the referee, a penalty was awarded, which Salah successfully converted, putting Egypt ahead just before the whistle.
Your Key Players
As Egypt fought to maintain control with one fewer player, El Shenawy, the goalkeeper, played a crucial role, making significant saves to keep South Africa at bay. His agility thwarted several attempts from the opposition, ensuring a strong defensive stance for Egypt.
Second Half Tensions
With a man advantage, South Africa pushed for an equalizer, but Egypt’s defense held strong. A close call came when El Shenawy managed to tip away a threatening shot from Lyle Foster, demonstrating his expertise and experience.
Zimbabwe vs. Angola: A Draw to Remember
In a concurrent match, Zimbabwe battled Angola, resulting in a 1-1 draw. Knowledge Musona’s equalizer towards the end of the first half salvaged a point for Zimbabwe after Gelson Dala had put Angola in the lead. Both teams now find themselves in a tough position as they strive for advancement in this highly competitive group, where only the top two teams will qualify for the knockout rounds.
Conclusion
As the tournament progresses, Egypt’s performance stands out, particularly with Salah leading the charge. The stakes are high as they aim for further success in the AFCON 2025, while South Africa, Angola, and Zimbabwe continue to battle for a place in the next stage of the competition.
Key Takeaways
- Egypt has qualified for the knockout stage with a 1-0 victory over South Africa.
- Mohamed Salah scored the only goal via a penalty just before halftime.
- Egypt played the second half with ten men after a red card for Mohamed Hany.
- The draw between Angola and Zimbabwe complicates the standings in Group B.