Africa Cup
©IMAGO
Star striker Mohamed Salah shot tournament favorite Egypt to victory in the group and into the round of 16 of the Africa Cup. The Liverpool striker secured the North Africans’ 1-0 win against South Africa with his goal from a penalty kick (45′). National coach Hossam Hassan’s team was outnumbered for the entire half after defender Mohamed Hany was sent off with a yellow-red card in injury time of the first half.
In a turbulent final phase of the first half, referee Pacifique Ndabihawenimana from Burundi awarded a penalty for Egypt shortly before half-time, according to the video images. Lyle Foster hit Salah in the face with his hand in the penalty area. In the second half, South Africa repeatedly built up pressure with the advantage. Shortly before the end there was discussion for minutes about a possible penalty. Ndabihawenimana looked at the disputed scene again and then decided against it. The Egyptians, in whom former Frankfurt player Omar Marmoush was substituted at half-time, maintained a narrow lead over time.
The South Africans, coached by Hugo Broos, still have a good chance of making it to the next round, as Angola and Zimbabwe previously drew 1-1. Old master Knowledge Musona (45th + 6) countered the Angolan opening goal by Gelson Dala (24th). Egypt now has six points in Group B, South Africa has three and Angola and Zimbabwe each have one point. The South Africans can still draw level with Egypt on points, but have lost the decisive direct comparison.