Here is the first qualified national team in the round of 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations!
Article by Romeo Ene – Published Friday, December 26, 2025 9:54 p.m. / Updated Friday, December 26, 2025 9:55 p.m.
Egypt's national football team is the first qualified for the round of 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. On Friday, they beat South Africa 1-0 in Morocco in Group B and secured their “tickets” for the next phase. The game took place in Agadir, in front of over 40,000 spectators.
Mohamed Salah (33 years old) converted a shot from 11 meters in the 45th minute to set up the final score.
The South Africans complained about two controversial refereeing decisions, the penalty dictated far too easily in their view, as well as a kick from 11 meters that they should have received at the end of the match, following a handball.
Egypt is the first national team to qualify for the round of 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations
Siyabonga Ngezana (28), the FCSB footballer, was a full-back for the South African national team.
In the other match of group B, Angola drew with Zimbabwe, the national team prepared by Romanian Mario Marinică, score 1-1. The result suited the Egyptians, who qualified for the round of 16.
Before the last stage, Egypt is the leader, with 6 points, followed by South Africa, with 3. Zimbabwe is 3rd, and Angola is 4th. Both national teams have one point each.
Egypt still has the game against Angola to play in this group. The duel will take place on December 29, at 18:00. The first two places will advance to the round of 16, along with the best place 3.
I am proud to play in Morocco and I am happy because I am surrounded by Egyptian and Moroccan supporters. The atmosphere was great and I hope we continue on this trajectory.
– Mohamed Salahafter Egypt – South Africa 1-0
