Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos slammed the level of officiating after his side went down to record seven-time winners Egypt in a dramatic Group B encounter in Agadir on Friday night.
Broos was particularly upset that over the awarding of a penalty for an arm to the face of Egyptian superstar Mohamed Salah, and then the non-award of a late penalty to South Africa for a clear handball infringement.
“We have these long meetings before tournaments where they explain 25 to 50 rules,” Broos said. “Then it’s a penalty, then it’s not a penalty. Then it’s a red card, then it’s not. At the end, nobody knows anymore what to do.”
Bafana Bafana’s Afcon campaign suffered a major setback after the controversial loss, a match overshadowed by the two highly debatable penalty decisions that went against South Africa.
A first-half spot-kick from Salah proved decisive, as the seven-time African champions edged a tense encounter that now leaves Bafana needing a result against neighbours Zimbabwe to reach the knockout stages.
The defining moment came late in the first half when Burundian referee Pacifique Ndabihawenimana awarded Egypt a penalty following a VAR review. Fullback Khuliso Mudau was penalised after his arm made contact with Salah’s face inside the box, despite the incident appearing accidental. Salah stepped up and calmly converted to give Egypt the lead.
South Africa were handed a boost moments later when Egypt right-back Mohamed Hany was sent off for a second bookable offence just before the break, giving Bafana a numerical advantage for the entire second half.
With Egypt reduced to 10 men, the match became one-way traffic after the restart. Bafana dominated possession and territory, pushing Egypt deep into their own half as goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy produced a series of vital saves to preserve the lead.
However, South Africa’s frustration peaked in stoppage time when appeals for a penalty after an apparent handball inside the Egyptian box were waved away, sparking anger on the Bafana bench.
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Broos added that even Egypt’s match-winner was surprised. “Mo Salah said to me after the game he was surprised that the penalty was given. It was ridiculous,” he said. “And then with our penalty incident, they told us when the arm is extended it’s a penalty. The arm was extended.”
Reflecting on the contest itself, Broos admitted Egypt were stronger early on. “Egypt were the better team in the first half,” he said. “But in the second half, with one man less, we dominated. In games like this, you need a bit of luck – and we didn’t have it.”
Broos insisted the setback would fuel Bafana going forward. “These decisions will motivate us 200% for the game against Zimbabwe,” he said.
South Africa face their final group match on Monday, knowing victory will secure their place in the Afcon knockout rounds. Egypt are already through to the next round.
