RABAT, Morocco (AP) — Mohamed Salah scored again as Egypt’s 10-man side beat South Africa 1-0 on Friday to advance to the knockout stages of the Africa Cup of Nations.
Salah’s stoppage-time strike secured the Pharaohs’ first win against Zimbabwe on Monday and he did it again in Agadir, where his penalty before half-time will almost certainly secure promotion from Group B.
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But South Africa should have been awarded a penalty in stoppage time when Yasser Ibrahim blocked the shot with his arm. After a long delay, the referee decided not to award a penalty after reviewing the video replay, and Ibrahim fell to the ground in relief.
Salah converted the penalty after being struck in the face by the hand of retreating South Africa striker Lyle Foster. Salah was unfazed by the blow and fired his shot straight through the middle with goalkeeper Rowan Williams jumping to his right.
With some time left before half-time, Egypt defender Mohamed Hani was sent off after receiving a second yellow card for a foul on Teboho Mokoena.
Goalkeeper Mohamed Al-Shenawi was Egypt’s key player in the second half.
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Earlier, Angola and Zimbabwe drew 1-1 in another group match, with neither side satisfied after an opening defeat.
Egypt leads with six points from two games, while South Africa has three points. Angola and Zimbabwe have one point each. The top two in each group advance, as well as the best third place.
Hosts Morocco will seek a win over Mali in Rabat after taking on Comoros in Group A against Zambia.
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AP Africa Cup of Nations: https://apnews.com/hub/africa-cup-of-nations
