Bafana Bafana’s narrow 1-0 defeat to Egypt at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations has left South Africa walking a perilous path in Group B, with qualification now resting on a decisive final clash against neighbours Zimbabwe. Played in Agadir, Morocco, the encounter was tense, fractious, and ultimately defined by moments of controversy rather than flowing football.
The loss means South Africa can no longer rely on permutations or comfort, victory against Zimbabwe is now the clearest route into the round of 16. While a draw may suffice, the margins are thin and the psychological toll of defeat against the continent’s most decorated side remains significant.
Salah Strike Decides A Cagey Contest
The decisive moment came late in the first half when Egypt were awarded a penalty following a video assistant referee review. Khuliso Mudau was adjudged to have fouled Mohamed Salah inside the box, a decision that immediately sparked debate given the apparent lack of intent.
Salah, Egypt’s captain and talisman, showed no hesitation from the spot. With trademark composure, the Liverpool forward dispatched the penalty, handing the seven time African champions a crucial advantage in a game that had offered few clear chances up to that point.
Red Card Changes The Dynamic But Not The Result
Just moments after conceding, Bafana Bafana were handed a lifeline when Egyptian defender Mohamed Hany was sent off for a second bookable offence, having stomped on Teboho Mokoena’s foot shortly before the half time whistle. The dismissal dramatically altered the balance of the contest.
With Egypt reduced to ten men, the second half became an exercise in pressure versus resistance. South Africa pushed forward relentlessly, while Egypt retreated into a compact defensive shape, relying on discipline, experience, and sporadic counter attacks to protect their slender lead.
Bafana Pressure Meets Egyptian Resolve
The second half belonged almost entirely to South Africa in terms of territory and possession. Wave after wave of attack was launched, yet clear chances remained scarce as Egypt’s defence held firm under sustained pressure from the South African frontline.
Goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy emerged as a decisive figure, producing crucial interventions and commanding his area with authority. As minutes ticked away, frustration grew among the Bafana players, their urgency increasing but their execution faltering in the final third.
Questions Over Tactical Boldness
Bafana coach Hugo Broos opted for a cautious midfield setup at the start, deploying Teboho Mokoena, Thalente Mbatha, and Sphephelo Sithole in a conservative trio. While this provided structure early on, it limited creativity when Egypt dropped deeper.
The introduction of Sipho Mbule in the second half injected some attacking intent, but many felt the change came too late. Further attacking substitutions only arrived in the final 20 minutes, by which time Egypt were fully entrenched and focused solely on seeing out the result.
Late Drama And Another Controversial Call
Deep into injury time, Bafana Bafana believed they had earned a penalty of their own when Yasser Ahmed appeared to handle the ball inside the box. The incident reignited hopes of a dramatic equaliser and mirrored the earlier decision awarded to Egypt.
However, the referee waved play on, ruling in Egypt’s favour and effectively sealing South Africa’s fate on the night. The decision was met with visible disbelief from players and staff, adding another layer of controversy to an already contentious encounter.
Broos Unleashes Fury At Officiating
In his post match briefing, Hugo Broos did not hide his frustration, delivering a scathing assessment of the officiating and the complexity of modern football rules. His comments reflected broader concerns about consistency and interpretation at elite tournaments.
“I want to talk about the 45-minute meeting you get before a tournament, explaining the different rules. Between 25 and 50 rules,” said Broos.
“Then it’s a penalty. Then it’s not a penalty. Then it’s a red card because you hit a player. Then it’s not a red card. At the end, there are so many rules that nobody knows anymore what to do, or not do.”
Penalty Decisions Spark Outrage
Broos was particularly incensed by the inconsistency between the two penalty incidents, arguing that the same standards were not applied. He revealed that even Salah himself expressed surprise at the decision that led to Egypt’s winning goal.
“Take the Egypt penalty incident. Even Mo Salah said to me after the game he was surprised that it was awarded. It was ridiculous,” Broos said.
“Then there was our penalty incident. In the meeting they said when the arm is extended, it’s a penalty. The Egyptian player’s arm was extended. So that was a penalty.”
Focus Shifts To Must Win Zimbabwe Clash
Despite the disappointment, Broos struck a more measured tone when analysing the performance itself. He acknowledged Egypt’s superiority in the first half while insisting South Africa dominated the second period, albeit without the necessary fortune.
“In terms of the game, Egypt was the better team in the first half. They had some chances, and good circulation of the ball. In the second half, they were one man less. But we dominated those 45 minutes.”
“The refereeing decisions from this Egypt game will motivate us 200% to win the game against Zimbabwe.”
That final group match now defines Bafana Bafana’s Afcon campaign. Victory secures progression, hesitation invites elimination, and the margin for error has vanished entirely.
