Mohamed Salah has led 10-man Egypt to the knockouts of the Africa Cup of Nations after scoring the only goal in his side’s win over South Africa.
For the second time in as many games, Salah scored for his country and proved the difference, with a 1-0 win on Boxing Day secured from the penalty spot.
The Group B fixture pitted the two favourite teams to progress against one another, and Egypt got the breakthrough in the first half after VAR intervention.
Liverpool’s No. 11 received a whack to the face as the defender swung his hand back in the penalty area. The referee was asked to consult the pitchside monitor and then awarded a spot kick.
On the cusp of half time, Salah converted with a cheeky dink down the middle of the goal, although he would have been relieved to see the goalkeeper dive to his left!
? MO SALAH GOAL pic.twitter.com/gEBuonEG3W
— KinG £ (@xKGx__) December 26, 2025
That appeared to be the dramatic moment of the half, but Mohamed Hany was then sent off to send Egypt down to 10 men after his second yellow card in the span of only 17 minutes.
The Pharaohs spent the second half defending their box, and did so valiantly until their hearts were in their mouths after the referee awarded a free-kick for a handball offence.
Replays showed the ball hit the arm of the defender in the box but after a very long wait, which included the referee again visiting the monitor, no penalty was awarded and play restarted with Egypt.
During the wait for the verdict, Salah was withdrawn in the 89th minute and watched the nervy final minutes from the bench.
His goal ended South Africa’s 27-game unbeaten run and secured his side’s place in the last 16.
When will Salah play in AFCON knockouts?
With six points from their first two games, Egypt have secured their progression to the knockouts with a game to spare, although they will want to guarantee top spot against Angola.
The last 16 will be played on either January 4 or 5 for Egypt, which falls on the weekend Liverpool travel to face Fulham in the Premier League.
Arne Slot‘s side travel to Craven Cottage for a 3pm kickoff on January 4, which is the second of nine games in 31 days.
If Egypt win their first knockout tie, they will play again on January 10/11, which will then see Salah miss the trip to Arsenal (Jan 8) and the visit of Barsnley in the FA Cup (Jan 12).
His absence, although known for some time, will continue to limit Slot’s options in attack after he lost Alexander Isak to a broken leg and awaits the return of Cody Gakpo.
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