By Neilley Claude EBESSA,
Journalist kick442.com – Cameroon
Despite Mohamed Hany’s red card and constant pressure from South Africa, Egypt secured a 1-0 victory this Friday in Agadir. While Mohamed Salah provided the goal, it was a masterful Mohamed El Shenawy who was crowned Man of the Match for saving the Pharaohs.
Salah Strikes, Hany Sees Red
In this clash for the top of Group B, everything unfolded during an electric end to the first half. In the 44th minute, following a foul on Mohamed Salah in the box, the Egyptian captain converted his penalty with a cool-headed Panenka (1-0, 45’).
However, the game took a dramatic turn moments later when Mohamed Hany was sent off (45+2’), leaving Egypt shorthanded for the entire second half.
Egypt with a decisive win over South Africa in Group B! 👏
A Wall Named Mohamed El Shenawy
This was the moment the Egyptian goalkeeper began his spectacular display. Down to ten men, Hossam Hassan’s side had to endure repeated assaults from the Bafana Bafana. Facing 16 South African attempts, the Pharaohs’ last line of defense remained unshakable.
Thanks to spectacular reflex saves and total aerial dominance, he frustrated the opposing attackers, notably denying a powerful header from Ngezana in the dying moments of the match. For this masterful performance, he was rightfully named “TotalEnergies Man of the Match.” As the saying goes: Standing tall for Egypt—he stood like a giant to protect his nation.
A High-Tension Finish
South Africa pushed with everything they had to snatch a draw, even appealing for a penalty for a handball in the 93rd minute. After a lengthy VAR review, the referee waved play on, sealing Egypt’s qualification—the first nation to officially book their place in the knockout stages.
Key Figures and Facts:
• 63: Total international goals for Mohamed Salah.
• 10: The number of Pharaohs left on the pitch for over 45 minutes.
• 1st: Egypt is the first team to qualify for AFCON 2025.
Round of 16 | Spot 01. 🇪🇬
Egypt qualify for the next round of the #TotalEnergiesAFCON2025! 🌟
Man of the Match: Mohamed El Shenawy
If there were a symbol of Egyptian resilience, it is him. Named TotalEnergies Man of the Match, El Shenawy proved that a great goalkeeper is sometimes worth as much as a great goalscorer. His composure allowed the entire defensive block to hold firm against one of the tournament’s top offenses.
Egypt (6 pts) is through. South Africa (3 pts) will play for their survival against Zimbabwe.
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