Mohamed Salah dragged ten man Egypt into the knockout stages of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with a gritty 1-0 win over South Africa in Agadir. The Liverpool talisman smashed home a first half penalty to make the Pharaohs the first side to book their place in the last 16, proving yet again he’s the man for the big occasion when the pressure’s on.
Salah’s spot kick just before the break settled a nervy affair, but the real story was Egypt’s resilience. They were forced to play the entire second half a man down after right back Mohamed Hany saw red for a stupid stamp in first half stoppage time. It was the kind of moment that could’ve sunk a lesser side, but with their captain leading the line, Egypt dug in. Salah’s come to Morocco under a cloud after being benched in Liverpool’s last five, a snub that sparked a furious row with new boss Arne Slot back on Merseyside. But here, he carried the nation on his shoulders. “He leads by example,” Egypt boss Rui Vitoria said after. “When we needed the moment, he delivers. That’s what big players does.”
The match turned just before half time. Salah, who’d been shackled by Aubrey Modiba for most of the opening 45, was chasing a lost cause with South Africa’s Khuliso Mudau when the defender’s raised arm caught him in the face. After a long VAR check, the penalty was given. A lengthy delay followed, but Salah kept his cool, sending Ronwen Williams the wrong way. It was a proper captain’s contribution. Then came the setback. Hany’s lunge on Teboho Mokoena was reckless, earning a second yellow and leaving his mates with a massive shift ahead.
South Africa pushed hard after the break with their man advantage, but Egypt’s old guard stood firm. Keeper Mohamed El Shenawy, 37, pulled off a string of smart stops, the best a sharp tip round the post from Lyle Foster. Up the other end, sub Emam Ashour was denied by Williams when a quick free kick nearly sealed it. But the real heart was provided by Salah, who tracked back, harried, and held the ball up tirelessly. It wasn’t pretty, but it was effective. “We showed our spirit,” Salah told BeIN Sports post match. “Sometimes you have to suffer, but we stick together. That’s what champions does.”
With this win, Egypt top Group B with a perfect six points and are guaranteed a top two finish. South Africa sit second on three, while Angola and Zimbabwe who drew 1-1 earlier, have a point each. For the record seven time champions, it’s a statement. They’ve grinded it out without playing well, the hallmark of a side that could go deep.
But the subtext for Liverpool fans is glaring. Salah’s fire and fight here is in stark contrast to his recent bit part role at Anfield. While Arne Slot’s side has stuttered without their main man, Salah’s reminded everyone what he’s about on the biggest stage. It begs the question: has Slot’s mishandling of his star man cost Liverpool their rhythm? One thing’s clear in Morocco, Salah remains a top talisman. And Egypt, not Liverpool, are reaping the rewards.