AFCON 2025: Egypt becomes first side to book place in knockout stage after win over South Africa

Egypt are through to the Round 16 stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after seeing off South Africa with a narrow 1-0 victory on Friday, December 26.The Pharaohs locked horns with the Bafana Bafana today in their second Group B game of the tournament.In the keenly contested affair staged at Stade Adrar in Agadir, both national teams fought and left everything on the pitch in their bid to take the top spot in the group standings.At the end of the pulsating contest, a Mohamed Salah goal scored from the penalty spot in the 45th minute decided the game, giving Egypt a hard-fought victory.South Africa, despite the defeat, played an outstanding match, dominating play especially in the second half as they capitalised on a numerical advantage after Egypt were reduced to 10 men in first half injury time when Mohamed Hany received a red card.The victory, which is the first for Egypt against South Africa since 2006, gives the Pharaohs six points.At the top of the Group B standings, Egypt have become the first side to reach the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.