Egypt advanced to the knockout stages of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with a 1-0 victory over South Africa in their Group B clash in Agadir, Morocco, becoming the first team to secure progression with a game to spare.

Mohamed Salah won a penalty after being clipped in the face by South Africa defender Khuliso Mudau while contesting for the ball in the box, and the Liverpool star calmly converted for his second goal of the tournament.

Egypt were reduced to 10 men in added time at the end of the first half when Mohamed Hany stamped on the foot of Teboho Mokoena and received a second yellow card.

South Africa pushed for an equalizer, with Mudau forcing a strong save from goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy, but their efforts were in vain. Bafana Bafana suffered their first competitive defeat under coach Hugo Broos in nearly two years.

With the win, Egypt moved to six points from their opening two games, securing first place in Group B, while South Africa remained second with three points.