Egypt 1–0 South Africa: Bafana Face Crucial Zimbabwe Decider
Egypt edged past South Africa 1–0 in a tense Group B encounter that swung on a first-half penalty and a dramatic red card, leaving Bafana Bafana with everything still to play for heading into the decisive Limpopo derby against Zimbabwe.
First Half: Penalty Drama and Turning Point
South Africa started brightly, controlling possession and tempo, with early fouls drawn by Lyle Foster and midfield control led by Teboho Mokoena. Egypt, however, grew into the contest through set pieces and direct breaks, with Omar Marmoush and Mohamed Salah posing constant threats down the flanks.
The decisive moment arrived in the 42nd minute when Khuliso Mudau was adjudged to have fouled inside the penalty area. After a VAR review, the decision stood, and Mohamed Salah calmly dispatched the penalty in the 45th minute, sending Ronwen Williams the wrong way to give Egypt a 1–0 lead.
Just minutes later, the match swung again. Egyptian right-back Mohamed Hany received a second yellow card for a late challenge on Teboho Mokoena in stoppage time, leaving Egypt down to 10 men for the entire second half.
Despite the numerical advantage, South Africa went into the break trailing.
Second Half: Bafana Lay Siege
With Egypt reduced to ten, Hugo Broos’ side pushed relentlessly. South Africa dominated possession, territory, and chance creation, winning a succession of corners and forcing goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy into a standout performance.
Tshepang Moremi tested El Shenawy from distance
Aubrey Modiba and Teboho Mokoena both had efforts saved
Khuliso Mudau, Siyabonga Ngezana, and Evidence Makgopa all went close
Relebohile Mofokeng injected urgency and creativity after coming on
El Shenawy produced multiple crucial saves, including late headers and close-range efforts in added time, repeatedly frustrating South Africa’s attempts to force an equaliser.
Egypt, despite being pinned back, defended with discipline and experience, relying on clearances, compact shape, and game management to protect their slender lead.
Late Drama and Final Whistle
South Africa thought they might have earned a late penalty in stoppage time, but VAR ruled no foul, compounding Bafana’s frustration. Even in the 90th+7 and 90th+8 minutes, El Shenawy continued to deny South Africa, saving headers and conceding corners as the pressure mounted.
After 12 minutes of added time, the referee brought proceedings to a close.
Match Summary
Goal: Mohamed Salah (45’ pen)
Red Card: Mohamed Hany (Egypt, 45’+2)
Final Score: Egypt 1–0 South Africa
What It Means
Egypt advance with a perfect six points from two matches, while South Africa are left to rue missed chances and a failure to capitalise on a full half against ten men.
Bafana Bafana now face a must-deliver final group match against Zimbabwe, who drew 1–1 with Angola. The result sets up a potentially explosive Limpopo derby, where qualification for the knockout stages hangs in the balance.
South Africa controlled the game, created the chances, and applied relentless pressure — but Egypt took the only goal that mattered.
Group B is far from settled.