AFCON 2025: Hugo Broos Blasts Referee, Reveals Salah’s Penalty Confession after match

South Africa coach Hugo Broos was left fuming after Bafana Bafana’s 1-0 defeat to Egypt in Agadir, insisting that the penalty which decided the game should never have been awarded by referee Pacifique Ndabihawenimana and revealing that even Mohamed Salah himself questioned the decision.

The decisive moment came late in the first half when VAR ruled that Khuliso Mudau had fouled Salah inside the box. The Egyptian captain converted with a Panenka to secure the Pharaohs’ place in the last 16, but Broos was adamant the call was unjust.

“There are so many rules that in the end no one knows what to do. Take the first penalty — even Mo Salah said to me after the game, ‘I was surprised that was a penalty.’ It was ridiculous, really ridiculous,” Broos said.

The Belgian coach also highlighted inconsistency in how handball decisions are interpreted, pointing to a later incident where South Africa were denied a spot kick.

“In the pretournament meeting, they said if the arm is extended from the body it’s a penalty. The arm was extended off the body so it was a penalty. Then they told me nonsense, saying it was a supporting arm. The arm was extended and the ball hit it so it was a real penalty,” he argued.

Despite Egypt being reduced to 10 men after Mohamed Hany’s dismissal, Bafana failed to capitalise, with goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy producing several crucial saves to preserve the lead.

Broos urged his side to regroup quickly ahead of their final Group B clash against Zimbabwe in Marrakesh, knowing only a win will keep their knockout hopes alive.

Egypt, meanwhile, march on to the last 16.