Salah’s penalty sends Egypt into AFCON knockout stage

[ad_1] Mohamed Salah scored as 10-man Egypt beat South Africa 1-0 in Agadir on Friday to change into the primary qualifiers for the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Liverpool star transformed a penalty on 45 minutes, and South Africa had been denied a spot-kick late within the second half when Yasser Ibrahim appeared to deal with the ball contained in the field.

Salah got here to Morocco after not beginning in 5 Liverpool matches – his omission resulting in an outburst in opposition to supervisor Arne Slot.

Egypt had been diminished to 10 males in first-half added time when right-back Mohamed Hany was proven a second yellow card for a stamp, adopted by a pink.

After two rounds in Group B, report seven-time champions Egypt have six factors and are assured a top-two end and a spot within the spherical of 16.

South Africa have three factors, and Angola and Zimbabwe one every after they drew 1-1 in Marrakesh earlier.

The primary probability fell to Salah after 11 minutes, however he couldn't transfer ahead shortly sufficient to attach with a low cross from Hany.

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That almost all of the gang had been supporting the Pharaohs turned apparent quickly after when the Burundi referee ignored Zizo appeals for a free-kick, and loud whistling enveloped the stadium.

When Salah delivered a free-kick into the guts of the South African space, three Egyptians darted ahead, however none may join with the ball.

Halfway by way of the opening half a sample had developed – Egypt had been pushing ahead recurrently whereas South Africa defended with calmness and strong tackling.

Salah intently policed When Teboho Mokoena fouled Omar Marmoush simply exterior the D, he was yellow carded. Nevertheless, the Manchester Metropolis striker fired the resultant free-kick huge.

As the primary half progressed the solar broke out within the southern coastal metropolis – a welcome sight for gamers and spectators with many earlier group matches staged in torrential rain.

A uncommon South Africa assault ended disappointingly as Lyle Foster struck a weak shot that was comfortably saved by 37-year-old Mohamed El Shenawy.

Awarded a free-kick near the touchline, South Africa carried out an intricate, multi-pass transfer that ended tamely as El Shenawy clutched a cross.

Salah was being intently policed by Aubrey Modiba and as half-time drew close to the Liverpool star retreated into the Egyptian half with a view to retain possession.

Then, because the Egypt captain chased a free ball with Khuliso Mudau, the South African right-back raised his left arm, placing the left eye of Salah.

Amid Egyptian protests, the Burundian referee seen the incident on a VAR monitor and pointed to the penalty spot.

A prolonged delay earlier than the kick was taken couldn't have eased the nerves of Salah, however he comfortably transformed the penalty as Ronwen Williams dived within the mistaken path.

Extra drama erupted in added time when Hany stamped on Mokoena, resulting in a second yellow card for the defender.

South Africa, with a numerical benefit, attacked extra because the second half progressed, however Egypt got here near a second aim with Williams foiling substitute Emam Ashour after a fast free-kick.

El Shenawy displayed his agility with quarter-hour remaining, utilizing his proper hand to tip to security a low shot from Foster. It was one in every of a number of saves that stored Egypt forward.