AFCON 2025: Mohamed Salah Scores 'Controversial' Goal As 10-Man Egypt Beat Bafana Bafana
- South Africa failed to win their second group game at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco as they lost to Egypt on Friday evening
- Mohamed Salah's lone goal after a controversial penalty was awarded to the Pharaohs gave the seven-time champions the win over Bafana Bafana
- A late drama ensued before the final whistle as Bafana thought they've got the chance to comeback in the game, but the Video Assistant Referee took the centre stage
Bafana Bafana have lost their first match at the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations as they stumbled to a 1-0 defeat against Egypt in their second Group B match at the Adrar Stadium in Agadir, Morocco, on Friday, 27 December 2025.
Liverpool star Mohamed Salah scored a goal from the penalty spot after a VAR review, which some fans labelled controversial. The strike in the first half gave the Pharaohs all three points to remain top of Group B.
AFCON 2025: Egypt beat Bafana Bafana
Hugo Broos opted to tweak his starting line-up after the victory over Angola, dropping Sipho Mbule and Mohau Nkota in favour of Orlando Pirates stars Thalente Mbatha and Tshepang Moremi, both of whom had impressed as substitutes on Monday evening. Egypt, on the other hand, set up with an attacking trio of Salah, Omar Marmoush and Trezeguet leading the line.
The seven-time African champions controlled the game in the opening minutes, delivered a few promising balls into the area, but none were enough to seriously test Ronwen Williams in goal for Bafana Bafana.
South Africa spent much of the opening half under sustained pressure but came close to scoring in the 28th minute, as Lyle Foster broke free from his marker to latch onto Aubrey Modiba’s pass and fire a left-footed effort that was kept out by Mohamed El Shenawy.
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Controversy arose in the closing stages of the first half after the Pharaohs were awarded a penalty after Video Assistant Referee (VAR) showed that Khuliso Mudau appeared to catch Salah in the face. The Liverpool forward then took responsibility from the spot and converted with composure.
The situation escalated further when Egypt were reduced to ten men after Mohamed Hany received a second booking for a late tackle on Mokoena, a call that drew protests from the Pharaohs’ technical crew.
The first half ended 1-0 in favour of Egypt, but South Africa appeared to have an advantage heading into the second 45 minutes of play.
Broos answered at the start of the second half by introducing Mbule, who was initially named among the substitutes, with the former Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder replacing Thalente Mbatha.
Bafana Bafana pushed hard to force their way back into the contest. Still, the Pharaohs remained resolute at the back, pressed with intensity, and punished Bafana Bafana’s high defensive line with sharp, well-executed counterattacks.
As the game moved into injury time, South Africa saw a clear penalty appeal dismissed, yet still failed to find an equaliser.
Broos names AFCON favourite
Briefly News also reported that Hugo Broos named the team he thinks are favourites to win the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
The Belgian tactician snubbed Bafana Bafana, Nigeria, and Egypt while predicting the team that could lift the trophy.
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Source: Briefly News
