Egypt Secure Knockout Stage Spot with Narrow Win Over South Africa; Angola and Zimbabwe Draw
Mohamed Salah converted a first-half penalty after being clipped by Khuliso Mudau, helping Egypt to a 1-0 victory over South Africa in AFCON Group B in Agadir on December 26, 2025. This victory gave Egypt six points from two games, making them the first team to reach the knockout stage, with Salah scoring his second goal of the tournament.
Despite being reduced to 10 men after Mohamed Hany was sent off for stamping near the end of the first half, Egypt held firm. South Africa were denied a penalty after a lengthy VAR review for handball in the second half.
In Group B, Angola and Zimbabwe played out a 1-1 draw. Gelson Dala put Angola ahead in the 24th minute, and Knowledge Musona equalised for Zimbabwe in stoppage time at the end of the first half. Hugo Marques of Angola suffered a cut above his eye but continued after treatment.
Defensively, David Carmo was crucial for Angola, clearing off the line twice in the final 10 minutes to deny Zimbabwe’s efforts, including stops on Tawanda Chirewa and Gerald Takwara.
Both Angola and Zimbabwe remain on one point from two games and must win their final matches to have a chance of progression.
Upcoming fixtures include Angola versus Egypt in Agadir and Zimbabwe against South Africa in Marrakech, both scheduled for Monday.
