Egypt’s 10-man team defeated South Africa 1-0 on Friday in Agadir to become the first to advance to the knockout stages of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
When Yasser Ibrahim appeared to handle the ball inside the box in the 45th minute, the Liverpool star converted a penalty and South Africa were denied a spot-kick in the final minute.
Salah skipped five Liverpool games to start in Morocco, which caused an outburst against manager Arne Slot.
When right-back Mohamed Hany received a second yellow card for stamping, followed by a red, in the first-half, Egypt were reduced to 10 men.
Egypt, the seven-time champions, are on pace for a top-two finish and a spot in the round of 16 after two rounds in Group B.
After drawing 1-1 in Marrakech earlier, South Africa now has three points, along with Angola and Zimbabwe one each.
After 11 minutes, Salah had 11 chances, but he was unable to advance quickly enough to cross Hany’s low cross.
Soon after Zizo’s request for a free kick was ignored, loud whistling surrounded the stadium, which made it clear that the majority of the crowd was in favor of the Pharaohs.
Three Egyptians darted forward after Salah fired a free kick into the South African area, but none could intercept the ball.
A pattern had emerged in the opening half: South Africa defended with calmness and effective tackling while Egypt were frequently pushing forward.
Salah is closely guarded ,
Omar Marmoush was yellow-carded when Teboho Mokoena fouled him just outside the D. The resultant free kick was fired wide by the Manchester City striker, though.
With many earlier group games staged in torrential rain, the sun burst out in the southern coastal city as the first half progressed, which was a welcome sight for both players and spectators.
Lyle Foster struck a weak shot that Mohamed El Shenawy, 37, comfortably saved in a rare South African attack that came to an unexpected end.
South Africa performed a complex, multi-pass move that ended tensely as El Shenawy clutched a cross as the team was awarded a free kick close to the touchline.
As half-time approached, Salah retreated into the Egyptian half while being closely watched by Aubrey Modiba.
The South African right-back raised his left arm and struck Salah’s left eye as the Egypt captain chased a loose ball with Khuliso Mudau.
The Burundian referee pointed the penalty spot on a VAR monitor as the Egyptians protested.
Salah comfortably converted the penalty after Ronwen Williams dived the wrong way despite a lengthy delay before the kick was taken.
When Hany stamped on Mokoena in extra time, adding drama, the defender received a second yellow card.
With a numerical advantage, South Africa attacked more as the second half progressed, but Williams foiled Emam Ashour, who had just a quick free-kick from Williams.
El Shenawy exhibited his agility with 15 minutes left, tipping a low Foster shot safely with his right hand. It was just one of several saves that kept Egypt ahead.
