Hugo Broos, the head coach of South Africa, revealed that Mohamed Salah expressed his astonishment at being awarded a penalty, which he converted to secure a 1-0 victory for Egypt on Friday in Agadir.
Salah executed a panenka penalty following a foul he drew from Khuliso Mudau. Although the Bafana right-back’s hand made slight contact with Salah’s face, it was minimal.
“In the first half, Egypt outplayed us. In the second half, we were the stronger team. The match outcome hinged on two controversial decisions,” Broos noted in a post-match conference.
“The first one was absurd. Even Mo Salah indicated to me that he was surprised a penalty was given for that foul,” he added.
Broos also criticized referee Pacifique Ndabihawenimana and his officiating crew for dismissing Bafana’s penalty appeal regarding a handball against Yasser Ibrahim.
The center-back Yasser Ibrahim blocked a shot from Teboho Mokoena with his arm in the game’s closing moments. However, even after a VAR review, a penalty was not awarded, as the officials deemed Ibrahim’s arm position to be natural for supporting his body despite being extended.
“The second incident was definitely a penalty because his arm was extended and the ball struck it, yet suddenly we have this ‘supporting arm’ rule. What exactly does that mean?” Broos questioned.
“The rules regarding penalties have become so convoluted that fans and officials alike struggle to understand what constitutes a penalty anymore.”
Bafana Bafana played the second half with an advantage after Mohamed Hany received a red card for his second yellow during a foul on Teboho Mokoena just before halftime.
South Africa dominated possession with 62% and had 16 shots compared to Egypt’s seven, yet they couldn’t penetrate a resolute Egyptian defense.
Egypt advanced to the last 16 and will face Angola on Monday in Agadir. Meanwhile, Bafana Bafana will need to secure their spot in Marrakesh against neighboring Zimbabwe on the same day.