A contentious VAR-awarded penalty proved decisive as ten-man Egypt edged
South Africa 1-0 in a tense Africa Cup of Nations Group B encounter at the
Stade Adrar on Friday.
The result secures Egypt’s place in the knockout rounds, while Bafana Bafana
must now seek a positive result in their final group match against Zimbabwe
on Monday.
Match Summary
Despite playing over 45 minutes with ten men after Mohamed Hany’s second
yellow card, Egypt held firm defensively to protect a first-half lead gifted
by a controversial penalty. The Pharaohs controlled the early stages, but it
was South Africa who created the first clear chance after 28 minutes. Lyle
Foster’s powerful left-footed strike forced a sharp save from goalkeeper
Mohamed El Shenawy.
The game’s major turning point arrived just before halftime. After a VAR
review, referee Issa Sy deemed that Khuliso Mudau had swiped Mohamed Salah’s
face in the box. Salah coolly converted the resulting spot-kick, sending
Ronwen Williams the wrong way.
Egypt’s task was complicated early in the second half when Hany received his
marching orders for a late challenge on Teboho Mokoena. South Africa coach
Hugo Broos immediately introduced Sipho Mbule, and Bafana dominated
possession thereafter.
However, the final touch eluded them. Their best chance fell to Mudau, whose
thunderous late strike was brilliantly pushed away by El Shenawy. Deep into
stoppage time, South Africa had strong appeals for a handball penalty waved
away when Mokoena’s shot struck the arm of defender Yasser Ibrahim. After a
brief check, the referee ruled the contact occurred outside the area.
Post-Match Reaction
Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos was fiercely critical of the officiating.
“The match was decided by two decisions that were not correct,” he stated.
“The first penalty was ridiculous. Even Mo Salah told me after the game that
he was surprised it was given. We also had a clear handball penalty denied.
With so many interpretations of the rules, nobody knows what is a penalty
anymore.”
What’s Next?
South Africa must regroup quickly for a must-win COSAFA derby against
Zimbabwe on Monday to keep their knockout stage hopes alive. Egypt, now
qualified, will face Angola to decide the group winner.
Lineups:
Egypt: El Shenawy; Hany, Ibrahim, Rabia, Hamdy; Attia, Fathy; Trezeguet,
Marmoush (Ashour 46’), Zizo; Salah.
Sent off: Hany (51’).
South Africa: Williams; Mudau, Ngezana, Mbokazi, Modiba; Mbatha (Mbule 46’),
Mokoena, Sithole (Makgopa 78’); Appollis, Moremi, Foster.
Subs not used: Chaine, Goss, Smith, Ndamane, Mokwana, Aubaas, Kabini,
Campbell, Matuludi, Sibisi, Mofokeng.
