Penalty decisions took centre stage at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations as Egypt edged South Africa 1-0 to reach the knockout stage, while Morocco were held to a 1-1 draw by Mali in a VAR-heavy encounter.

 

In Agadir, Mohamed Salah once again proved decisive. The Egypt captain scored from the penalty spot just before half-time to give the seven-time champions victory over Bafana Bafana, despite Egypt playing the entire second half with 10 men.

 

The key moment came in the 45th minute when Salah went down in the box after contact with Khuliso Mudau. After a VAR review, the referee awarded a penalty, which Salah calmly converted with a Panenka-style finish. It was his 13th goal in his last 17 international matches.

 

Egypt’s task became harder seconds later when right-back Mohamed Hany was sent off for a second yellow card in stoppage time. That left the Pharaohs under pressure for most of the second half.

 

South Africa pushed forward after the break but struggled to break down goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy. The Egypt keeper made a crucial late save from Aubrey Modiba and dealt with late efforts from Siyabonga Ngezana as Egypt held on.

 

Bafana Bafana thought they had earned a late penalty of their own deep into stoppage time, but after another long VAR check, the referee ruled the defender’s arm was in a natural position. Egypt survived, booked their place in the last 16, and now look favourites to top Group B.

 

Earlier in Rabat, VAR also played a decisive role as Morocco’s perfect winning run came to an end. The Atlas Lions were held 1-1 by a stubborn Mali side in Group A.

 

Morocco took the lead just before half-time when Brahim Diaz earned and converted a VAR-awarded penalty after a handball in the box. The Real Madrid attacker had been lively throughout the first half and made no mistake from the spot.

 

Mali hit back in the second half with another penalty, also awarded after a VAR review. Lassine Sinayoko was fouled in the area and then calmly scored himself to level the match.

 

Morocco pushed hard for a winner, with substitutes adding fresh energy, but Mali goalkeeper Djigui Diarra stood firm. A late chance from Youssef En Nesyri was saved as Mali held on for a valuable point.

 

The draw means Morocco remains top of Group A but must wait to confirm qualification, while Mali stay in the race for the knockout stage.

 

With VAR decisions, penalties, red cards and narrow margins, Friday’s matches showed how fine the line is at AFCON 2025  and how one moment can change everything.