A Mohamed Salah penalty proved decisive as 10-man Egypt booked their place in the AFCON knockout stages with a narrow 1–0 victory over South Africa in Agadir, bringing Bafana Bafana’s 12-match unbeaten run (W6, D6) to an end.

Both sides knew that victory would guarantee progression from Group B, and the high stakes were evident early on, with a tense and cautious opening offering little in the way of attacking threat.

It took 22 minutes for the match’s first attempt, when Egypt were awarded a free-kick on the edge of the area. Omar Marmoush stepped up but curled his effort just wide of the left post. South Africa then registered the first shot on target shortly before the half-hour mark, though Lyle Foster’s effort lacked the power to trouble Mohamed El Shenawy, who saved comfortably.

Despite the scarcity of chances, Egypt edged ahead late in the first half. Khuliso Mudau committed a costly foul inside the box, allowing Salah to step up from the penalty spot. The Egyptian captain showed his composure, driving his spot-kick straight down the middle to give the Pharaohs the lead.

The drama continued before the interval as Egypt were reduced to 10 men, with Mohamed Hany dismissed after receiving a second yellow card for a reckless challenge.

The second half proved scrappy, with clear-cut opportunities at a premium. South Africa enjoyed more possession but struggled to turn that dominance into meaningful chances, largely restricted to speculative efforts from distance that failed to test El Shenawy.

Bafana Bafana’s best chance to equalise arrived with 10 minutes remaining, when Foster picked out Aubrey Modiba in the centre of the penalty area. However, the defender could not find a way past El Shenawy, who stood firm once again.

South Africa pressed late on but were unable to force a breakthrough. They now head into their final group match against Zimbabwe knowing that qualification remains in their own hands.

Egypt, meanwhile, confirmed their place in the knockout rounds, though they will need at least a point in their final group fixture to secure top spot in Group B.