South Africa head coach Hugo Broos says even Mohamed Salah was surprised he got a penalty kick rewarded to him after being on the receiving end of an innocuous challenge.
Broos made this comment according to iDiski Times after South Africa lost 1-0 to Egypt at the 2025 AFCON; South Africa beat Angola 2-1 in its opening game.
However, the loss to Egypt was marred by the controversial penalty awarded to Salah after South Africa defender Khuliso Mudau’s fingers inadvertently poked the eye of the Egyptian captain inside the penalty box while battling for the ball.
Salah converted the penalty in the 45th minute but Egypt had Mohamed Hany sent off a few minutes later after picking up a second yellow card.
After seeing his team miss the chance to clinch its second win in a row largely thanks to the penalty, Broos said even Salah was shocked he got the penalty in the first place.
FULL-TIME! 🇪🇬🇿🇦
Egypt with a decisive win over South Africa in Group B! 👏#TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 | @tecnomobile pic.twitter.com/z32HgCWnmQ
— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) December 26, 2025
“Even Mo Salah said to me after the game; I was surprised it was a penalty. It was ridiculous, really ridiculous” Broos said.
Salah on the spot. Hossam Hassan on the line. Sending Egypt to the Round of 16. 🇪🇬💫#TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 | #WeCelebrateDifferent pic.twitter.com/NbdPDwsyPw
— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) December 26, 2025
With the win, Egypt have qualified to the Round of 16 stage while South Africa need a win over Zimbabwe on Monday, December 29 to guarantee its qualification.
