Mohamed El Shenawy produced a commanding performance in goal as Egypt edged South Africa 1–0 at Le Grand Stade Agadir, earning him Man of the Match in this tense AFCON 2025 clash.
The experienced goalkeeper stood tall under intense late pressure, repeatedly denying Bafana Bafana and protecting Egypt’s slender lead deep into stoppage time.
From the first whistle, El Shenawy organised his back line with authority, reading danger early and stepping off his line to claim crosses and cut out through balls. South Africa grew into the game and peppered his goal from distance and inside the box, but the Egyptian captain responded with a series of calm, assured saves.
After Mohamed Salah’s first-half penalty put Egypt ahead, South Africa chased an equaliser, forcing El Shenawy into several crucial stops, including low saves from Teboho Mokoena and Aubrey Modiba and a brave intervention from a close-range header in added time.
Even when he needed treatment late on, he returned to finish the job, guiding Egypt over the line and justifying his Man of the Match award with a display of resilience, leadership and class.
