Agadir – South Africa’s Bafana Bafana suffered a controversial 1-0 defeat to Egypt in their AFCON 2025 Group B clash, prompting head coach Hugo Broos to unleash a scathing attack on the match officials and VAR system.
The loss on Friday, 26 December 26, 2025, at Grand Stade d’Agadir leaves Bafana needing to beat Zimbabwe to secure qualification for the knockout stages.
However, with three points from the victory over Angola in the opening match, Bafana could still advance in the tournament hosted by Morocco with a draw against Zimbabwe’s unpredictable Warriors in their remaining group game.
The Boxing Day 0-1 loss to the Paroahs left a bitter taste in the mouth for Bafana fans.
The decisive moment came in the first half when Egyptian captain Mohamed Salah converted a penalty awarded for a foul on him inside the box.
In a post-match press briefing, Bafana coach Broos described the penalty decision as “absolutely ridiculous”.
Broos added: “Even Mo Salah said to me after the game, ‘I was surprised it was a penalty’. It was ridiculous, really ridiculous.”
Bafana defender Khuliso Mudau echoed the sentiment, stating, “I don’t think it was a penalty for Egypt.
“The referee gave it, and there is nothing we can do.”
VAR failed to overturn the dubious decision despite review.
Burudian Referee Pacifique Ndabihawenimana’s questionable decisions ultimately decided the game.
Late in the game, Bafana appealed for a penalty when a cross struck an Egyptian defender’s extended arm.
Initially, Ndabihawenimana awarded Bafana a free kick just outside the box for handball.
Unsure of his call, he consulted VAR, and after an on-field review, ruled there was no reason to award a penalty or the free kick he had initially given to Bafana.
“The arm was extended from the body, so it’s a penalty,” he insisted, accusing VAR of compounding errors rather than correcting them.
