AFCON 2025: Ten-man Egypt squeeze past Bafana Bafana to seal last 16 ticket

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AFCON 2025: Ten-man Egypt squeeze past Bafana Bafana to seal last 16 ticket
Image - Bafana

A Mohamed Salah strike was all Egypt needed to claim maximum points against Bafana Bafana on Friday in Group B’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) game played at Adrar Stadium in Agadir

In their opening game, the seven time champions did well to give their best and claim an important 2-1 win over Zimbabwe, the same scoreline that Bafana Bafana registered against Angola.

The last AFCON meeting between the sides was in 2019 when Egypt hosted the competition and it ended 1-0 in favour of the Hugo Broos-led men.

The dramatic first half

Bafana Bafana were composed from the back, giving their best from the first whistle hoping to get maximum points and advance.

However, it was Egypt who created a dangerous situation in the 11th minute when Mohamed Hany sent a low cross in the danger zone in search of Mohamed Salah, but South Africa survived.

In the 22nd minute, once again, it was the Pharaohs who had a good chance from a free-kick in a promising position. But Omar Marmoush missed the target by inches and the ball went out for a goal-kick.

The seven-time champions finally got their chance in the 41st minute when, after a VAR review, the referee punished Khuliso Mudau for a reckless shove on Mohamed Salah’s face in the dangerzone. The Liverpool man didn’t make a blunder from 12 yards out.

It got more interesting as the Pharaohs were reduced to 10 players a few moments later as Mohamed Hany was sent off owing to a second bookable offense.

Egypt survive to advance

As expected, Bafana Bafana came back stronger after the break hoping get an equaliser and push for a winning goal. In the 47th minute, Orlando Pirates winger Oswin Appollis forced a corner but it was dealt with.

In the 57th minute, Aubrey Modiba did well to get in a prime position, but he was inaccurate with his shot and the Pharaohs survived.

Just three minutes later, Ronwen Williams was forced into a fine save by Emam Ashour who had made way into the area from the right.

WIth 20 minutes remaining, Teboho Mokoena tried his effort from about 35 yards. However, despite seemingly getting the goalkeeper by surprise, the ball missed the target by inches.

The massive opportunity for Broos’ men came in the 79th minute when Lyle Foster did well to set up Modiba who tried a snap-shot but goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy denied him.

Not even the late rally by Bafana Bafana could give them a goal as Egypt held on to win and advance to the Round of 16.

<!-- Author Start -->Willis Sob<!-- Author End -->

Willis Sob

Author

Willis Sob is an experienced journalist who has been in the game since 2009, covering major assignments around the continent.
His hunger for African football is unmatched, always getting the best angles and facts to feed the fans and quench their thirst.

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