The result sends the Pharaohs through to the knockout stage with a match to spare in Group B, while South Africa must now beat Zimbabwe on Monday to guarantee their place in the last 16.

Despite the disappointment, Hugo Broos' side emerged with plenty of credit after a performance that grew in authority, particularly in the second half, against one of the tournament favourites.

South Africa entered the contest buoyed by their opening-round win over Angola and made two changes to the starting line-up, with Thalente Mbatha and Tshepang Moremi coming in for Sipho Mbule and Mohau Nkota. Egypt, as expected, carried their attacking threat through Salah, Omar Marmoush and Trezeguet.

The early stages were evenly contested, although Egypt came closest to breaking the deadlock when Marmoush's curling free-kick flew narrowly wide. Bafana responded with a clear chance of their own when Lyle Foster was slipped through by Teboho Mokoena, only for Mohamed El Shenawy to save.

As the first half drifted towards a goalless interval, VAR intervened decisively. Referee Pacifique Ndabihawenimana reviewed an incident involving Khuliso Mudau and Salah inside the area and pointed to the spot. Salah made no mistake from the penalty in the 45th minute, sending Ronwen Williams the wrong way to give Egypt a crucial lead at the break.

Egypt's momentum was checked moments later when Mohamed Hany was shown a second yellow card in stoppage time, leaving the Pharaohs with 10 men for the entire second half.

Sensing an opportunity, Broos introduced Mbule after the restart and pushed his side higher up the pitch. Bafana enjoyed the lion's share of possession and penned Egypt back for long spells, with Foster, Aubrey Modiba and Oswin Appollis all forcing El Shenawy into important saves.

Egypt still threatened on the break, and Salah nearly doubled the lead when his low effort from a set-piece routine was superbly cleared off the line by Williams.

The closing minutes brought fresh controversy. Deep into added time, South Africa appealed for a penalty when the ball struck Yasser Ibrahim's arm as he fell inside the box. After another VAR review, the referee waved play on, ruling the arm to be in a natural position - a decision that left Bafana frustrated.

Despite a brave late surge from Bafana, Egypt held firm to record their second win of the group.

For Egypt coach Hossam Hassan, the victory continued his strong personal record against South Africa and ensured qualification with a game to spare. For Bafana, it was a harsh lesson in fine margins.

Broos' men showed resilience, structure and growing confidence, but now face a must-win clash against Zimbabwe to secure automatic progression - and another chance to turn promise into reward.

Stanley Nwabali has high praise for Mamelodi Sundowns skipper Ronwen Williams