Khuliso Mudau breaks silence on Egypt’s penalty against Bafana Bafana

Bafana Bafana defender Khuliso Mudau feels he was harshly punished against Egypt during their second game at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on Friday.

South Africa suffered a 1-0 loss thanks to Mohamed Salah’s first-half penalty which was awarded after Mudau was adjudged to have had a hand-to-face on the Liverpool forward.

The penalty call has generated debate with some, including Bafana coach Hugo Broos, disagreeing with the referee, while others feel it was the right decision.

Mudau is among those who feel it was a soft penalty in a game when South Africa should have got something.

Mudau opens up on penalty

“No, I haven’t checked but I’m still going to go and check,” said Mudau on SABC Sport. “But I don’t think it’s a penalty with my own opinion but the referee gave it, there’s nothing we can do.   We just have to focus on the next one.”

Mudau thinks his side lacked luck after taking the game to Egypt, who played with 10 men for most of the second half, but believes it will serve them right against Zimbabwe on Monday.

“I think it’s just that we didn’t have luck, we did everything and we wanted to score but unfortunately we couldn’t,” he added.

What gives Bafana defender hope?

“But as I said we have to focus on the next one which is Zimbabwe on Monday. There was a lot of positives to take from the match because everyone was willing to help the team.

“We have to make sure that we win the next one I think for us to go through. I think that’s the most important thing.”

Bafana Bafana need to beat the Warriors to be sure of second place in Group B and a place in the knockout rounds.