Mohamed Salah scored a goal, and even though Egypt was down a man, they still managed to beat South Africa 1-0 in Agadir this Friday. This win means they're the first team to make it to the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Liverpool star nailed a penalty at 45 minutes. Later on, South Africa thought they should've gotten a penalty too when Yasser Ibrahim seemed to touch the ball with his hand in the box, but the ref didn't call it.

Salah came to Morocco after not starting in five Liverpool games. Word is he wasn't happy about that and let manager Arne Slot know.

Egypt had to play with 10 men for most of the match after right-back Mohamed Hany got a second yellow card for a bad foul just before halftime.

After two games in Group B, Egypt, who've won the cup a record seven times, has six points. That means they're guaranteed to finish in the top two and move on to the next round.

South Africa has three points, while Angola and Zimbabwe each have one after tying 1-1 earlier in Marrakesh.

Salah almost scored early on at 11 minutes, but he couldn't quite get to a pass from Hany.

It was clear most of the fans were rooting for Egypt. The ref didn't give Zizo a free kick, and the stadium filled with boos.

Later, Salah sent a free kick into South Africa's side of the field, and three Egyptians tried to get to it, but none could.

About halfway through the first half, Egypt started attacking a lot, while South Africa stayed back, defending.

Aubrey Modiba kept a close watch on Salah. Teboho Mokoena got a yellow card for fouling Omar Marmoush near the box, but the Manchester City player missed the free kick.

As the first half continued, the sun came out, which was good for the players and fans since it had been raining a lot in earlier games.

South Africa didn't attack much, and when they did, Lyle Foster's shot was easily saved by Egypt's goalie, Mohamed El Shenawy, who's 37.

South Africa tried a fancy move from a free kick, but in the end, El Shenawy caught the ball.

Salah wasn't getting much room to move thanks to Aubrey Modiba. Near halftime, the Liverpool star even went back into his own half to keep the ball.

Then, when Salah was chasing the ball with Khuliso Mudau, the South African hit Salah in the face with his arm.

Egypt protested, and the ref looked at the replay and gave them a penalty.

Salah had to wait a while before taking the kick, but he didn't let it bother him. He scored easily while Ronwen Williams guessed the wrong way.

Things got even crazier when Hany stomped on Mokoena, earning himself a second yellow card.

With an extra player, South Africa attacked more in the second half. However, Egypt nearly scored again when Williams stopped Emam Ashour after a quick free kick.

El Shenawy showed he's still got it when he saved a shot from Foster with his right hand. That save helped Egypt stay in the lead.

On Friday, Zambia and Comoros face off at Stade Mohammed V in their second Group A match at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Zambia sits second in the group after a 1-1 draw with Mali in their first game. Comoros is at the bottom after losing 2-0 to Morocco.

Match outlook

Zambia didn't get all three points in their first match, but they'll take the draw, especially since they had lost their previous four games.

They fell behind when Lassine Sinayoko scored, and they didn't get many chances until Patson Daka's late header tied the game.

That result means Zambia hasn't won in 10 tournament games (two losses, eight draws).

Going into the Comoros game, Zambia should feel good. A win would really help their chances of moving past the group stage.

However, they haven't won in their last three games against Comoros in the past two years, with one draw and two losses.

They only had two good scoring chances against Mali, so they need to be better on offence.

Comoros knew their first game against Morocco would be tough, with the possibility of getting beaten badly by the home team.

But Stefano Cusin's team played well in the first half, holding Morocco to a 0-0 tie. They couldn't hold on in the second half and gave up two goals.

That loss means Comoros hasn't won in their last five games (not counting penalty shootout wins), and they've lost the last four.

Another loss to Zambia would be bad, but the Comoros would be more worried about getting knocked out in the first round.

But Cusin's team can be encouraged by their recent record against Zambia. They haven't lost to them (W2, D1) since September 2023.

Team updates

Even though Zambia didn't play great in their first game, coach Sichone will likely stick with the same starting lineup.

If he makes any changes, Francis Mwansa, who saved a penalty against El Bilal Toure, should be in goal again.

The defence of Mathews Banda, Benson Sakala, Dominic Chanda, and Frankie Musonda should also stay the same.

After his late goal against Mali, Leicester City's Patson Daka should start up front again, with Lameck Banda and Fashion Sakala on the wings.

Like Zambia, Comoros will probably use the same lineup. Yannick Pandor, who also saved a penalty, should be in goal.

Standard Liege striker Rafik Said will be the main scoring threat.

Possible Zambia starting lineup:

Mwansa; M. Banda, B. Sakala, Chanda, Musonda; Chaiwa, Kangwa, Tembo; F. Sakala, Daka, L. Banda

Possible Comoros starting lineup:

Pandor; Toibubu, Soilihi, Kari, Boura; B. Youssouf, Z. Youssouf, Mohammed, Selemani; N’Changama, Said