AFCON 2025: Mohamed El Shenawy named Man of the Match in Egypt's victory against South Africa

Mohamed El Shenawy stood at the heart of Egypt’s narrow win over South Africa, turning a tense night in Agadir into a personal showcase that carried the Pharaohs over the line.

The experienced goalkeeper stood tall under 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.