Salah on target as 10-man Egypt hold on to beat South Africa

Mohamed Salah’s penalty proved to be the difference as 10-man Egypt beat South Africa 1-0 in matchday two of the Africa Cup of Nations at Stade d’Agadir on Friday afternoon.

The Pharaohs could’ve taken the lead in the 11th minute, after Omar Marmoush found Mohamed Hany with a through ball and the Al Ahly right-back sent in a low cross into the area, but Salah was unable to make clean contact.

Moments later, Marmoush struck his effort from a free-kick just wide of the post as Egypt drew closer to the opener.

Five minutes before the break, the Pharaohs were awarded a penalty after a VAR check when Salah was brought down in the area by Khuliso Mudau.

The Liverpool star stepped up to take the spot-kick, which he converted, sending Ronwen Williams the wrong way.

Deep into stoppage time of the first half, Hany was sent off after receiving a second yellow card for his challenge on Teboho Mokoena.

South Africa resumed the break on a strong foot, trying to capitalise on their numerical advantage, but couldn’t find the equaliser as Mokoena sent his effort wide.

Minutes later, Bafana Bafana threatened once more as Tshepang Moremi saw his long-range shot flash wide of the right post.

At the hour mark, Egypt responded with a blistering counter after Mahmoud Trezeguet took a quick free kick to find Salah in space, who played Emam Ashour through on goal, but the midfielder’s effort was saved by Williams.

At the other end, South Africa had two big chances to draw level, but Mohamed El Shenawy fended their efforts off.

On the stroke of full time, Bafana Bafana appealed for a penalty when Yasser Ibrahim handled the ball in the area, but after a VAR review, the referee waved away the appeals.

South Africa could have drawn level deep into stoppage time, but El Shenawy made a decent stop to deny Siyabonga Ngezana and sent the Pharaohs to the last 16 of the AFCON.