What Mo Salah told Hugo Broos as players react to Bafana Bafana defeat

Bafana Bafana suffered a frustrating defeat to 10-man Egypt in their Group B clash at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on Friday, a result that confirmed the Pharaohs as group winners.

South Africa now require at least a point against Zimbabwe on Monday to secure qualification for the Round of 16. However, finishing second could present a more difficult path in the knockout stages as they look to surpass the bronze medal they claimed two years ago.

The match was overshadowed by contentious refereeing decisions. Egypt were awarded a first-half penalty after Khuliso Mudau’s arm made contact with Mohamed Salah’s face during a challenge in the box. Later, Bafana Bafana were denied a penalty of their own despite appeals for an apparent handball in the area.

Ultimately, though, missed opportunities proved costly as South Africa failed to convert their chances and left the field empty-handed.

Speaking in the mixed zone after the match, Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos, captain Ronwen Williams, Mudau, and midfielder Thalente Mbatha shared their thoughts with SABC Sport.

Hugo Broos

“Even Salah said to me after the game that he was surprised it was a penalty. It was ridiculous. Before the tournament, they told us that if an arm is extended away from the body, it is a penalty.

“Then suddenly they say it is a supporting arm. Who invented this supporting arm? His arm was extended and it made contact.

“In the pre-tournament meetings, they explain rules for 45 minutes — 25 to 50 different rules. One moment it is a penalty, the next it is not. A red card becomes not a red card. In the end, no one really knows what to do.”

Ronwen Williams

“We are disappointed. Our objective was not to lose. We wanted to win or at least get a point to secure qualification, but it wasn’t to be.

“We feel hard done by with some of the decisions. It was a soft penalty, and at the other end we believe we should have had one too. But that’s football. We take the lessons and keep believing in this team.

“They sat deep after going a man down and defended their box. We created half-chances and some good opportunities, but we couldn’t score.

“The performance was amazing. They came with a different approach and surprised us with a back five and extra numbers in midfield, so the first 10 minutes were about adjusting.

“The fight and attitude were there. We left everything on the pitch. I’m proud of the boys — we showed we can compete with the best. Now we focus on Monday. We will qualify.”