Salah penalty sends Egypt Into AFCON last-16 after VAR drama against South Africa

A controversial Mohamed Salah penalty sent Egypt into the last-16 of the Africa Cup of Nations as the Pharaohs edged South Africa despite playing the entire second half with 10 men.

After a cagey opening, the contest burst into life late in the first half when Salah was caught by a stray arm from South Africa defender Khuliso Mudau inside the penalty area. Following a VAR review, the referee awarded a spot-kick, which Salah calmly converted with a chipped finish down the middle.

According to The Independent, South Africa were handed a major boost just before the break when Egypt defender Mohamed Hany was shown a second yellow card for a mistimed challenge near the touchline, leaving the seven-time champions a man down for the remainder of the match.

Despite their numerical advantage, Bafana Bafana struggled to break down Egypt’s disciplined defence and created few clear-cut chances, as the Pharaohs remained largely untroubled.

Late drama followed deep into stoppage time when South Africa appealed for a penalty after Teboho Mokoena’s shot struck a diving Yasser Ibrahim on the edge of the box.

Referee Pacifique Ndabihawenimana initially awarded a free-kick and was sent to the pitch-side monitor following a VAR check, but ultimately overturned the decision and no penalty was given.

Egypt’s victory secures qualification to the last-16 with two wins from their opening two group matches. South Africa must now avoid defeat against Zimbabwe in their final group game to keep their knockout hopes alive, with a potential last-16 clash against Ivory Coast or Cameroon looming.

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