Egypt edge South Africa to seal early AFCON 2025 knockout qualification

Egypt became the first team to secure qualification to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over South Africa in a tense Group B encounter in Agadir on Friday.As expected, the contest was finely balanced, but Egypt found the decisive moment just before the interval through captain Mohamed Salah. The forward converted a VAR-awarded penalty with composure, delicately chipping the ball beyond Ronwen Williams to cap a stronger Egyptian first half.The match took another turn minutes later when Mohamed Hany was sent off for a second yellow card, forcing the Pharaohs to play the entire second half with ten men. Head coach Hossam Hassan reacted quickly, reorganising his side to protect their lead through discipline and compact defending.South Africa pushed forward in search of an equaliser and enjoyed long spells of possession, yet struggled to break down a well-drilled defence, with Mohamed El Shenawy authoritative in goal. Egypt remained dangerous on the break, using Salah’s movement to ease pressure.Late drama followed when South Africa appealed for a stoppage-time penalty, but VAR ruled against them. Egypt held on to move to six points and seal qualification, while Bafana Bafana…