Egypt First Team to Qualify for AFCON 2025 Round of 16

Egypt First to Qualify for AFCON 2025 Round of 16 After Tense 1-0 Win

Egypt became the first team to secure a place in the Round of 16 at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, thanks to a hard-fought 1-0 victory over South Africa in their Group B match at the Grand Stade d'Agadir.

Qualification Secured with a Game to SpareThe Pharaohs topped Group B with a maximum six points from two matches, guaranteeing their progression to the knockout stage regardless of the result in their final group game against Angola. This marks the earliest qualification in the tournament so far, highlighting Egypt's strong start in their quest for an eighth AFCON title.Dramatic Match HighlightsMohamed Salah's calmly converted penalty in the 45th minute proved to be the difference, awarded after a VAR review spotted contact on his face from South Africa's Khuliso Mudau. The Liverpool star chipped the ball down the middle to score his second goal of the tournament.Moments later, defender Mohamed Hany received a second yellow card, leaving Egypt to play the entire second half with 10 men. South Africa dominated, creating numerous chances, but goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy made a series of outstanding saves to keep the clean sheet intact.A late South African penalty appeal for handball was also overturned by VAR, adding to the controversy surrounding the match.Group B Standings

• Egypt: 6 points (qualified)
• South Africa: 3 points
• Angola: 1 point
• Zimbabwe: 1 point

Egypt will face Angola in their final group match on Monday, while South Africa take on Zimbabwe.As the record seven-time champions, Egypt now turn their focus to the knockout rounds, where they aim to end a title drought dating back to 2010.


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