AFCON 2025: 'Salah told me he was surprised' - Hugo Broos fumes over decisive penalty in loss to Egypt

South Africa head coach Hugo Broos claims that even Egyptian superstar Mohamed Salah expressed surprise at the controversial penalty decision that decided their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations clash on Friday.

The match, which Egypt won 1-0, turned on a disputed first-half incident where South African defender Khuliso Mudau inadvertently made contact with Salah’s face while competing for a high ball. The referee awarded a penalty, which Salah converted in the 45th minute.

Speaking after the match, a frustrated Broos revealed a post-game exchange with the Egyptian captain that underscored his disbelief at the call.

“Even Mo Salah said to me after the game; ‘I was surprised it was a penalty.’ It was ridiculous, really ridiculous,” Broos told *iDiski Times*.

The decision proved costly for Bafana Bafana, who missed the chance to secure a second consecutive win after opening their campaign with a 2-1 victory over Angola. Egypt, reduced to ten men after Mohamed Hany’s second yellow card shortly after the penalty, held on for the win.

The result seals Egypt's place in the Round of 16, while South Africa now faces a must-win final group match against Zimbabwe on Monday, December 29, to guarantee their own progression.

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