Bafana Bafana not robbed against Egypt: VAR decisions explained
Egypt's forward Mohamed Salah (L) is fouled by South Africa's defender Khuliso Mudau and a penalty is given during the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) Group B football match at Adrar Stadium in Agadir on December 26, 2025. Picture: Franck Fife/AFP
Image: Franck Fife/AFP
As I watched Bafana Bafana take on Egypt in their Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) Group B clash against Egypt on Boxing Day, like all South Africans I was left disappointed by two big, controversial, but correct calls which decided the contest.
Bafana went down 1-0 to the African heavyweights, and of course the big talking point was the penalty decision awarded to Egypt by referee Pacifique Ndabihawenimana late in the first half.
Khuliso Mudau was involved in a tussle with star Liverpool and Egypt striker Mohamed Salah, before the Bafana player made contact with his opponent’s face in the box. The law states that any contact by a defender in his box with an opponent’s face is an immediate foul and penalty.
In fact, Mudau actually had control of the situation and stuck his hand out needlessly, before Salah used all his experience and knowledge of the rules as he went down in the box. The move by Salah no doubt drew attention to the clash and further investigation.
VAR Decisions Favour Egypt in Afcon Clash Against Bafana
Ndabihawenimana used the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) before making his decision, and ultimately pointed to the spot and Salah made no mistake to score the deciding goal of the contest.
Late in the second half, Bafana had a penalty appeal of their own - but VAR this time ruled in favour of Egypt.
Yasser Ahmed went down in his own box as the ball struck his hand. Again, the law was in favour of Egypt as Ahmed used his arm to support his body weight off the ground, and in that act the ball struck his arm. Therefore according to the FIFA handball laws this means no penalty.
Both decisions were harsh on Bafana, but applied correctly as the 1996 Afcon champions walked away without a point from the clash.
Bafana will now have to move on quickly as they take on Zimbabwe on Monday evening in Marrakesh, and will progress in their final group game with a victory.
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