Overview
- Egypt prevailed through a first‑half spot kick converted by Mohamed Salah after a VAR review penalized Khuliso Mudau for catching Salah in the face.
- South Africa’s stoppage‑time appeal for handball against an Egypt defender was rejected after a nine‑minute VAR check that deemed the contact a supporting‑arm situation.
- Hugo Broos said Salah told him he was surprised the penalty was given and labeled both key decisions ridiculous in his post‑match remarks.
- Egypt finished with ten men following a sending off, yet South Africa’s second‑half dominance and 16 shots did not produce an equalizer.
- Bafana Bafana remain second in Group B with one match left and turn to a pivotal meeting with Zimbabwe as Egypt sit three points clear.