*Salah’s Penalty Seals Win for 10-Man Pharaohs as Group B Intensifies*
AGADIR, Morocco – Mohamed Salah’s cool first-half penalty propelled Egypt into the Africa Cup of Nations knockout stages, but not without a fierce fight from South Africa in a tense 1-0 victory here on Friday. Playing most of the match with ten men, the Pharaohs showcased resilience to secure their passage.
The decisive moment arrived just before halftime when Salah, jostling with South African defender Khuliso Mudau, was caught by a high boot. The Liverpool star picked himself up and calmly slotted home the resulting spot-kick for his second goal of the tournament.
Egypt’s task was complicated moments later when defender Mohamed Hany received a straight red card for a dangerous stamp. The second half became a story of Egyptian defiance against relentless South African pressure. Bafana Bafana’s appeals for a handball penalty were dismissed after a lengthy VAR review, leaving them to rue missed opportunities.
“We showed two faces today—quality to score and huge heart to defend,” said Egypt’s coach. “Qualifying with a game to spare is a big achievement.”
The result leaves Egypt atop Group B with six points, uncatchable in the top two. South Africa, on three points, face a decisive final match after a performance that offered promise but no reward.
Earlier, Angola and Zimbabwe Share Points in Spirited Draw
In the day’s earlier Group B fixture, Angola and Zimbabwe played out a 1-1 stalemate, a result that leaves both nations’ tournament hopes hanging by a thread.
Angola struck first through striker Gelson Dala, who finished deftly in the 24th minute. The game was halted for a significant period after a sickening clash of heads left Angola goalkeeper Hugo Marques bloodied and bandaged.
Zimbabwe fought back, and in first-half stoppage time, their veteran captain Knowledge Musona fired home a precious equalizer. Angola’s defender David Carmo then emerged as a late hero, clearing two certain goals off his line in a frantic minute to preserve the draw.
While both teams earned their first point, the shared spoils mean victory in their final group games is now essential. Angola face the daunting task of meeting Egypt, while Zimbabwe will battle neighbors South Africa.
“We are alive, but we know what we must do now,” a weary Musona stated post-match. “It’s a final for us next week.”
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