Egypt 1-0 South Africa result - Mohamed Salah penalty fires 10-man Pharaohs through to AFCON knockout phase amid VAR controversy

Egypt are through to the knockout phase of the Africa Cup of Nations following a feisty 1-0 victory over South Africa in Agadir.

Mohamed Salah's controversial 45th-minute penalty, awarded after a lengthy VAR check for an accidental Khuliso Mudau hand in the face, was enough to maintain the Pharaohs' perfect start to the competition.

But it wasn't simple for Egypt, who were reduced to 10 men just before half-time when Mohamed Hany was shown a second yellow card and sent off for an unnecessary stamp on Teboho Mokoena.

The Pharaohs had to dig in to halt the energetic Bafana Bafana, who were enraged by Salah's questionable spot-kick – especially as it was a cheeky Panenka.

South Africa, unable to break down Egypt's resilient low block, were largely toothless. But Hugo Broos' men should have at least had the opportunity to equalise late on, when Bafana Bafana were contentiously denied a last-gasp penalty.

Egypt defender Yasser Ibrahim was the most relieved man in all of Africa as he got away with a blatant handball in the 88th minute, blocking Mokoena's goal-bound effort.

Referee Pasifik Ndabihimana initially gave a free-kick on the edge of the area before being advised to check the pitchside monitor. The Burundi official eventually decided against awarding the spot-kick, denying South Africa vengeance in the final moments.

Egypt, able to hold on thanks to an array of impressive saves from goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy, and a helping hand from VAR, go three points clear at the summit of Group B to earn a spot in AFCON's latter stages.

While we've got you, it would be remiss not to remind you that the Premier League returns live on TNT Sports and discovery+ tomorrow lunchtime.

Nottingham Forest play host to title challengers Manchester City, eager to cause an upset at the City Ground.

Kick-off is at 12:30 UK time, with live coverage on TNT Sports 1, TNT Sports Ultimate and discovery+ starting from 11:00.

TNT Sports is available across all major TV platforms, offering a line-up of up to four TV channels (TNT Sports 1, TNT Sports 2, TNT Sports 3, TNT Sports 4), and up to six digital or red-button channels (TNT Sports 5 to 10), and TNT Sports Ultimate plus TNT Sports Box Office HD.

You can subscribe to TNT Sports through discovery+, BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media.

Siyabonga Ngezana heads towards goal from a corner and Mudau goes to attack in the six-yard box, but El Shenawy throws himself at the ball to punch it away.

Egypt had their hearts in their mouths there.

Ibrahim is the most relieved man in all of Africa right now!

Mokoena's shot clearly struck the Egypt defender's arm but he got away with it.

The Pharaohs are now on track to see out the all-important victory.

Drama at the death! Somehow, somehow, South Africa are denied their spot-kick.

VAR officials reviewed for nearly six minutes before Ndabihimana watched replays on the pitchside monitor. After seeing it several times himself, the referee decided against awarding the penalty.

It's oh so harsh for South Africa, who were already aggrieved by Egypt's soft penalty in the first half. That should have been vengeance. Instead, there's a real sense of injustice for Bafana Bafana.

South Africa are screaming for a penalty!

Yasser Ibrahim clearly handles the ball in the area as he slides to attempt to block Mokoena's shot.

VAR are taking a look and the referee's initial call - a free-kick outside the box - is surely going to be overturned.

Impact substitute Makgopa heads over the bar. That was never troubling El Shenawy.

As much as Bafana Bafana have been on top, there has been very little in the final third.

Modiba's close-range shot saved is the closest South Africa have come.

Everything else has been fairly routine for El Shenawy and the Egypt defenders in front of him.

Speedy winger Elias Mokwana replaces Moremi, who will be disappointed with his lack of impact.

Hassan throws on some fresh legs for the final 10 minutes or so.

ON: Mohamed Shehata, Mohanad Lasheen.

OFF: Trezeguet, Zizo.

Modiba simply has to score!

Foster does brilliantly to carve out the chance for Modiba, who skips past an Egypt challenge, but the shot is collected at close range by El Shenawy.

The Egypt goalkeeper didn't see that until the last moment.

Hugo Broos is throwing all he can at this.

Evidence Makgopa is on for Sphephelo Sithole.

Mudau, who has gained a reputation for his ball-striking abilities, forces a diving stop from El Shenawy.

It was a great strike from South Africa's right-back, but Egypt's goalkeeper was equal to it.

South Africa are getting desperate.

Moremi attempts an audacious bicycle kick on the edge of the area but it sails well over.

His teammates, who were waiting in support, are far from impressed.

Egypt's goalkeeper clatters his wrist on the crossbar when jumping to ensure a South Africa long shot doesn't find the target.

Exciting Orlando Pirates talent Relebohile Mofokeng is on for Oswin Appollis to try and make a difference.

Egypt defender Hamdi Fathi is certainly making his presence known, throwing himself into challenges.

The Al-Wakrah man's aggression sums up the Pharaohs' desire to defend their lead.

Mudau goes down in the box under the challenge of Egypt 'keeper El Shenawy, prompting penalty shouts, but the linesman's flag goes up for offside.

Williams makes an important stop to deny Ashour at the near post.

Salah did brilliantly to kickstart the attack for Egypt, first playing through the eye of a needle to find Trezeguet before playing in Ashour down the right.