Mohamed Salah scored Egypt's winner in their AFCON Group B victory over South Africa in controversial circumstances, meaning the forward will miss three more games for Liverpool
19:38, 26 Dec 2025
Salah
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Mohamed Salah fired Egypt to AFCON progression(Image: FRANCK FIFE / AFP via Getty Images)
Mohamed Salah scored in controversial circumstances as Egypt clinched a 1-0 victory over South Africa in the Africa Cup of Nations to secure their spot in the last 16. The Pharaohs top Group B after collecting six points from two matches and have sealed their advancement to the knockout stages following Zimbabwe and Angola's draw earlier in the day.
The Liverpool ace won and converted a first-half penalty, giving his team an edge in their second match of the tournament in Morocco. Salah was hit in the face by Khuliso Mudau and fell to the ground in the opposition's box.
As the Egyptian held his face, referee Pacifique Ndabihaweniman did not immediately blow his whistle. The incident was then reviewed by VAR, sparking a lengthy deliberation.
Mohamed Salah is fouled
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Egypt were given a penalty after Salah was struck by South Africa defender Khuliso Mudau(Image: FRANCK FIFE / AFP via Getty Images)
The extent of the scrutiny over the decision surprised some fans, given what appeared to be minor and unintentional contact. After being directed to review the footage, however, Ndabihaweniman pointed to the spot and started handing out yellow cards.
South African duo Mudau and Lyle Foster were both cautioned, with the latter vehemently contesting what he deemed a soft decision. Salah made no mistake with his chance, calmly slotting his penalty with a gentle chip into the middle of the goal.
Egypt gave their opponents a chance to get back into the game when full-back Mohamed Hany was shown a second yellow card shortly afterwards. The defender was sent off for an unnecessary foul on the halfway line just before half-time.
Mohamed Salah
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Salah dropped to the floor after the contact
The action didn't stop there as South Africa were denied a penalty in the final moments of the match. They were given a free kick on the edge of the area after Yasser Ibrahim, who was sliding, blocked Teboho Mokoena's shot with his arm.
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Despite a VAR review and Ibrahim clearly being in the area, no penalty was awarded. It appeared that the defender's arm was used to break his fall. Regardless, Ibrahim was visibly relieved, bowing his head in prayer.
Egypt will next take on Angola in their last group match, hoping to secure their position at the top of the group. This means Salah's absence from Liverpool will now be prolonged.
Last 16 matches are scheduled between January 3rd and January 6th. This ensures that the 33-year-old will definitely miss games against Wolves, Leeds and Fulham.