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AFCON 2025: Salah helps 10-man Egypt team beat South Africa
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Mohamed Salah scored as 10-man Egypt beat South Africa 1-0 in Agadir on Friday to become the first qualifiers for the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Liverpool star converted a penalty in the 45th minute, and South Africa were denied a spot-kick late in the second half when Yasser Ibrahim appeared to handle the ball inside the box.
Salah came to Morocco after not starting in five Liverpool matches — his omission leading to an outburst against manager Arne Slot.
Egypt were reduced to 10 men in the first-half added time when right-back Mohamed Hany was shown a second yellow card for a stamp, followed by a red.
After two rounds in Group B, record seven-time champions Egypt have six points and are guaranteed a top-two finish and a place in the round of 16.
South Africa have three points, and Angola and Zimbabwe one each after they drew 1-1 in Marrakesh earlier.
The first chance fell to Salah after 11 minutes, but he could not move forward quickly enough to connect with a low cross from Hany.
That the majority of the crowd were supporting the Pharaohs became obvious soon after when the Burundi referee ignored Zizo’s appeals for a free-kick, and loud whistling enveloped the stadium.
When Salah delivered a free-kick into the heart of the South African area, three Egyptians darted forward, but none could connect with the ball.
Midway through the opening half, a pattern had developed — Egypt were pushing forward regularly while South Africa defended with calmness and solid tackling.
When Teboho Mokoena fouled Omar Marmoush just outside the D, he was yellow-carded. However, the Manchester City striker fired the resultant free-kick wide.
As the first half progressed, the sun broke out in the southern coastal city — a welcome sight for players and spectators with many earlier group matches staged in torrential rain.
A rare South Africa attack ended disappointingly as Lyle Foster struck a weak shot that was comfortably saved by 37-year-old Mohamed El Shenawy.
Awarded a free-kick close to the touchline, South Africa performed an intricate, multi-pass move that ended tamely as El Shenawy clutched a cross.
Salah was being closely policed by Aubrey Modiba, and as half-time drew near, the Liverpool star retreated into the Egyptian half to retain possession.
Then, as the Egypt captain chased a loose ball with Khuliso Mudau, the South African right-back raised his left arm, striking the left eye of Salah.
Amid Egyptian protests, the Burundian referee viewed the incident on a VAR monitor and pointed to the penalty spot.
A lengthy delay before the kick was taken could not have eased the nerves of Salah, but he comfortably converted the penalty as Ronwen Williams dived in the wrong direction.
More drama erupted in added time when Hany stamped on Mokoena, leading to a second yellow card for the defender.
South Africa, with a numerical advantage, attacked more as the second half progressed, but Egypt came close to a second goal with Williams foiling substitute Emam Ashour after a quick free-kick.
El Shenawy displayed his agility with 15 minutes remaining, using his right hand to tip to safety a low shot from Foster. It was one of several saves that kept Egypt ahead.
Co-hosts Mexico kicked off the 2026 World Cup against South Africa in Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca on Thursday.
Mexico’s forward #16 Julian Quinones celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the 2026 World Cup Group A football match between Mexico and South Africa at the Mexico City Stadium in Mexico City on June 11, 2026.
Co-hosts Mexico kicked off the 2026 World Cup against South Africa in Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca on Thursday.
The 29-year-old struck in the ninth minute, his powerful shot going between the legs of the South African goalkeeper Ronwen Williams to send the 80,000 spectators wild.
Mexico’s forward Julian Quinones celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the 2026 World Cup Group A football match between Mexico and South Africa at the Mexico City Stadium in Mexico City on June 11, 2026.
It was the earliest first goal at a World Cup since 2006, when Philipp Lahm netted for Germany against Costa Rica after six minutes.
The South Africa players have been exchanging some short passes, trying to open up the opposition’s defence and hit them swiftly on the break, but the co-hosts have been dominant so far.
South Africa’s forward Iqraam Rayners and Mexico’s defender Johan Vasquez fight for the ball during the 2026 World Cup Group A football match between Mexico and South Africa at the Mexico City Stadium in Mexico City on June 11, 2026.
Before the kickoff, the 80,000-strong crowd was entertained by Nigerian star Burna Boy, Colombian singer Shakira and a host of performers in an opening ceremony.
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Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has expressed confidence in his team’s readiness for the 2026 FIFA World Cup following their narrow 2–1 victory over Nigeria’s Super Eagles in an international friendly played on Wednesday night in Leiria.
The match took place at the Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa on June 10, where both sides delivered a competitive encounter that served as an important preparation fixture ahead of next year’s global tournament.
Portugal Strike First, Nigeria Respond Quickly
Portugal opened the scoring in the 23rd minute through Pedro Neto, who finished off a well-constructed attacking move to give the hosts an early advantage.
Nigeria, however, responded impressively before halftime. Akor Adams restored parity for the Super Eagles after connecting neatly with a pass from Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, calmly slotting past the Portuguese defence to level the match.
The equaliser reflected Nigeria’s resilience and attacking intent as they matched Portugal for significant spells in the first half.
Conceição Delivers Winning Goal
After the break, Portugal increased their intensity and regained control of possession. Their pressure eventually paid off when Francisco Conceição scored the decisive goal that secured the win for Roberto Martínez’s side.
Despite Nigeria’s efforts to find another equaliser, Portugal managed to maintain their lead until the final whistle.
Ronaldo Reacts After Victory
Following the match, Ronaldo took to social media to express satisfaction with Portugal’s performance and preparation level.
“The preparation is done. Eyes on the World Cup,” he wrote on Instagram, signaling confidence ahead of the tournament.
Portugal are placed in Group K for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where they will face DR Congo, Colombia, and Uzbekistan.
Although Nigeria lost the match, the Super Eagles delivered a spirited performance that produced several positives against a top European side.
Goalkeeper Maduka Okoye stood out with a series of important saves that prevented a heavier defeat, while defenders Semi Ajayi and Calvin Bassey were solid and composed under pressure.
In midfield, Tochukwu Nnadi impressed with his energy and discipline, helping Nigeria compete strongly in central areas.
Akor Adams continued his good form with a well-taken goal and posed a constant threat to the Portuguese defence before being substituted late in the game.
Alex Iwobi marked his 100th international appearance for Nigeria but had a relatively quiet outing, while Moses Simon struggled to make a major impact before being withdrawn in the second half.
Substitutes Frank Onyeka and Raphael Onyedika added more stability in midfield, but Nigeria were unable to find a second goal as Portugal held on for victory.
Despite the defeat, Nigeria’s performance offered encouraging signs ahead of future international fixtures, particularly in terms of organization, intensity, and attacking combinations against elite opposition.
US President Donald Trump announced plans Wednesday to attend the World Cup, as the global football tournament prepares to kick off.
“I will, I will,” Trump said when an AFP reporter asked him in the Oval Office if he planned to be at any World Cup matches.
He did not give any details, but FIFA boss Gianni Infantino has said he expects Trump to present the trophy to the winning team at the final on July 19.
Last year Trump did the honors — and was booed — at the FIFA Club World Cup final at the MetLife stadium in New Jersey, the same stadium where the World Cup final will take place.
The Republican billionaire has tried to stamp his mark on the World Cup that is being jointly held in the United States, Mexico and Canada, repeatedly mentioning how he successfully bid for it in his first term as president.
He has also struck up a firm friendship with Infantino, who presented Trump with a special peace prize in December, before US military operations in Venezuela and Iran.
“I spoke to Gianni this morning… he said there’s never been anything close” to the success of the coming tournament, Trump said.
The World Cup has however been dogged by off-field distractions ranging from sky-high ticket prices to an immigration crackdown that has seen fans, team officials and a top Somali referee barred from entering the United States.
Trump said his administration was working on the issue.
“We’re working on it very closely to ensure the right people come into our country,” he told reporters.
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