Hugo Broos has strongly criticized the refereeing and VAR decisions that shaped South Africa’s 1–0 defeat to Egypt at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, describing the match-winning penalty as “ridiculous”.
The Bafana Bafana coach was frustrated after Mohamed Salah scored from the spot just before half-time following a challenge involving Khuliso Mudau. This decision that immediately sparked controversy.
Broos revealed that even Egypt’s captain did not expect the call:
“Even Mo Salah said to me after the game; ‘I was surprised it was a penalty’,” Broos said.
“It was ridiculous, really ridiculous.”
Those words summed up South Africa’s feeling that the biggest moment of the game was decided by officiating rather than football.
The penalty was not the only incident to draw attention. Late in the match, South Africa appealed for a handball inside the box. The referee went to the pitchside monitor following a VAR review, No penalty was awarded.
For Broos, it was another key decision that went against his side. Two major VAR moments. Two calls that shaped the outcome.
Egypt went on to win despite being reduced to 10 men before half-time. South Africa controlled large parts of the second half. They pushed forward. They created pressure.
But they were unable to overturn a deficit created by a decision Broos believes should never have stood.
The role of VAR is to help referees. Instead, it has fuelled debate at AFCON 2025.
Attention now turns to a decisive Group B finale. Bafana Bafana will face Zimbabwe on Monday, 29 December, in a must-win encounter.
Zimbabwe also remain in contention for qualification, setting up a high-stakes showdown with knockout football on the line.
For South Africa, the challenge is clear. Respond on the pitch. Let the football do the talking.
But for now, the debate rages on.
