Egypt progresses early in the Africa Cup of Nations

With six points after two games at the tournament in Morocco, Egypt is already the group winner in Group B. The second-placed South Africans can still draw level on points, but have lost the decisive direct comparison.

Video images help Egypt

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. The striker didn’t miss the chance from the spot. Shortly afterwards, Egyptian defender Mohamed Hany was shown a yellow-red card.

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 for the 2010 World Cup hosts. 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.

In the first game of the day, Angola and Zimbabwe drew 1-1 (1-1). The two group rivals Egypt and South Africa each have one point after two games.