NOS Football•
Egypt has also won its second group match at the Africa Cup and is therefore assured of a place in the last sixteen of the tournament in Morocco. Egypt won 1-0 against South Africa thanks to a striking penalty from captain and star player Mohamed Salah.
Salah may have lost his starting place at Liverpool under coach Arne Slot, but he is still the big man in his own country. Earlier in the African Cup, he also scored the winner against Zimbabwe (2-1) in injury time.
Not convincing
It was by no means easy for Egypt, who came under less pressure after the break with one man.
The first half was also not convincing, but according to plan by national coach Hossam Hassan. With Egypt, he focuses on the whims and actions of vanguard players Salah, Omar Marmoush and Trézéguet.
The difference was made in the Adrar stadium in the port city of Agadir via a questionable penalty.
South African defender Khuliso Mudau tried to shield the ball but hit Salah in the face. The video referee saw it as a foul and so Egypt got a great chance from the spot. Salah converted the penalty, coolly through the middle: 1-0.
In injury time of the first half, Mohamed Hany made a mistake. The Egyptian received his second yellow for a serious foul and was able to leave.
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Mudau hits Salah in the face: Egypt penalty -
Salah hits from the spot: 1-0
With one man less, Egypt was hardly able to attack and did everything it could to make it impossible for South Africa to play football. The biggest chances came in the last fifteen minutes, but keeper Mohamed El-Shenawy always stood in the way of the South Africans.
Deep in the final phase, South Africa also hoped to get a penalty from Belgian national coach Hugo Broos.
Alleged handball
Egyptian defender Yasser Ibrahim took a low shot against his arm on the edge of the penalty area. There was discussion on the field for several minutes about whether the handball took place inside or outside the box, while the video referee considered the alleged violation.
Ultimately, referee Pacifique Ndabihawenimana was called to the side to view the images. There he also ruled that it was not a penalty, not even a free kick. Ibrahim’s hand rested on the ground, so the unintentional handball was not a foul.
In injury time, South Africa continued to press, but goalkeeper El-Shenawy maintained the Egyptian lead. With the second victory, the record champion (seven titles) is assured of a place among the first two in group B, and can therefore advance to the eighth finals.
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