Bafana Bafana Robbed? Furious Protests After Stoppage-Time Penalty Overturned in Egypt Clash

In a dramatic Group B clash at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Agadir, Morocco, on December 26, 2025, 10-man Egypt edged South Africa 1-0, but the match was overshadowed by late controversy. South African players were indeed left in disbelief after a potential penalty for handball was not awarded in second-half stoppage time.

Mohamed Salah's calmly converted penalty just before halftime—awarded controversially via VAR for an accidental hand to the face on the Liverpool star—proved the decisive goal. Moments later, Egypt were reduced to 10 men when right-back Mohamed Hany received a second yellow card for a stamp on Teboho Mokoena. Despite the numerical disadvantage, the Pharaohs defended resolutely in the second half, with goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy making several key saves.

South Africa, known as Bafana Bafana, dominated possession and created numerous chances, pressing relentlessly against the depleted Egyptian defense. They appeared on the verge of an equalizer deep into stoppage time when midfielder Teboho Mokoena unleashed a powerful long-range shot. The ball struck the arm of diving Egyptian defender Yasser Ibrahim as he slid to block it, right on the edge—or possibly inside—the penalty area.

The referee initially signaled a free-kick outside the box, but VAR prompted an on-field review. After a lengthy check, referee Pacifique Ndabihawenimana reversed the decision entirely, ruling no handball offense. Replays showed inconclusive angles on whether the contact was inside the area, but crucially, the ball appeared to hit Ibrahim's supporting arm in a natural position while falling—a scenario explicitly not punishable under current IFAB handball rules, which exempt supporting arms during slides or falls unless deliberate or unnatural enlargement.

South African players surrounded the referee in protest, with visible shock and frustration. Coach Hugo Broos later lamented multiple decisions going against his side, noting the complexity of modern rules. Many observers, including analysts, felt Bafana Bafana were hard done by, arguing the incident looked like a clear penalty at first glance.

The result secured Egypt's progression to the knockout stage as group winners with six points, keeping alive Salah's quest for a maiden AFCON title. South Africa, on three points, remain in contention but ended a long unbeaten run and must beat Zimbabwe in their final group game to advance comfortably. The incident reignited debates over VAR consistency and handball interpretations, adding fuel to an already fierce rivalry between two of Africa's football powerhouses.