Egypt had to weather a storm of Bafana attacks in the second period as South Africa had 17 shots at goal after the break, but lacked the quality to find the back of the net.
The Pharaohs will advance as group winners as even if South Africa match their six points in their final round of pool games, Egypt would still lead on head-to-head.
It means South Africa will likely advance in second spot in the pool, with a draw against Zimbabwe in their final clash on Monday enough to seal that place. Only a defeat can deny them.
If we assume they do seal second, they will face the runner-up in Group F in the Round of 16.
That looks likely to be one of defending champions Ivory Coast or Cameroon, though Gabon could also be in the running. Any of those opponents would be tough.
If they advance through that tie, then they will in all likelihood clash with Morocco in the enxt stage. That is assuming the hosts win their pool and then advance past one of the third-placed teams in Groups C, D or E.
Also on this side of the draw is the winners of Groups C and E, which will likely be Nigeria or Tunisia for the former, and Algeria for the latter. That is an incredibly difficult road to the final.
Should Bafana finish third in their pool they will face one of the winner of Group D, likely Senegal, or the winner of Group C (Nigeria or Tunisia) in the Round of 16.