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Bafana Bafana were edged 1–0 by Egypt in a high-stakes 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Group B clash on 26 December. The match, played under tension and VAR scrutiny, saw Mohamed Salah score the winner from the penalty spot just before half-time.
The penalty was awarded after referee Pacifique Ndabihawenimana consulted VAR for an earlier incident inside the box. Salah calmly converted the spot kick to give the Pharaohs a 1–0 lead.
Moments later, Egypt’s Mohamed Hany was shown a second yellow card and sent off for a challenge on Tebogo Mokoena, leaving Egypt to play the entire second half with 10 men.
Official Response
Despite their numerical advantage, Bafana Bafana failed to find an equaliser. Coach Hugo Broos expressed frustration after another key VAR review in the second half did not result in a penalty for what appeared to be a handball by Yasser Ibrahim.
“OK, they were one man less, but we dominated them for 45 minutes,” Broos said. “You need a little bit of luck… we didn’t have that.”
“After what happened here today, certainly the decisions made will motivate us to give 200% to win against Zimbabwe on Monday,” he added.
Community Impact
Bafana Bafana now face a must-win fixture against Zimbabwe on Monday, 29 December 2025. Victory is crucial if they hope to progress to the tournament’s Last 16 round.
Key Match Facts
- Date: 26 December 2025
- Result: Egypt 1–0 South Africa
- Red Card: Mohamed Hany (Egypt)
- VAR Penalty: Converted by Mohamed Salah
- Denied: South Africa’s late penalty claim turned down by VAR
- Next Match: Bafana vs Zimbabwe, 29 December
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