December 26, (THEWILL) — Mohammed Salah converted a first-half penalty to give Egypt a 1-0 victory over South Africa at the Africa Cup of Nations, despite playing more than 45 minutes with 10 men. The Liverpool forward’s spot-kick in the 45th minute proved sufficient for Egypt to maintain their perfect start in Group B.
Egypt controlled much of the opening period, with Omar Marmoush curling a free-kick just wide before Salah won the penalty. Khuliso Mudau caught the Egypt captain in the face whilst attempting to shield the ball, and following a VAR review, the referee pointed to the spot. Salah sent his dinked effort down the centre, leaving Ronwen Williams with no chance.
Two minutes later, Mohamed Hany received his second yellow card for stepping on Teboho Mokoena’s foot near the touchline, having earlier been cautioned for pulling Tshepang Moremi’s shirt. The dismissal left Egypt to defend their lead for the entire second half.
South Africa pressed for an equaliser but could not break through. A lengthy VAR check for handball against Yasser Ibrahim on the line came to nothing with two minutes remaining, whilst Lyle Foster headed tamely at Mohamed El Shenawy in stoppage time.
Egypt sit top of Group B with six points, ahead of South Africa on three. Angola and Zimbabwe earned their first points in a 1-1 draw, with Knowledge Musona cancelling out Gelson Dala’s opener.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
