Bafana Bafana Fall To Egypt At Afcon 2025, Must Beat Zimbabwe To Reach Last 16

Bafana Bafana’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign has reached a defining moment after a narrow 1-0 defeat to Egypt on Friday night, leaving South Africa needing a positive result against Zimbabwe to progress.

The loss came in a VAR-dominated Group B encounter at Adrar Stadium in Agadir, where Egypt, despite finishing the match with 10 men, secured all three points to book their place in the knockout stages with six points.

South Africa remain in control of their own destiny ahead of Monday’s final group fixture in Marrakesh. A victory over Zimbabwe will guarantee qualification for the last 16, while a draw could still be enough depending on other results.

Afcon Group B permutations leave Bafana with clear task

With three points from two matches, Bafana sit behind Egypt but ahead of Angola and Zimbabwe, who are both on one point after drawing 1-1 earlier on Friday.

Neither side can reach more than four points, meaning a win for Hugo Broos’s men would take them safely through on six points alongside Egypt.

However, finishing second in the group could come with a stern reward, potentially setting up a first knockout clash against tournament hosts Morocco. Despite the setback, the performance against Egypt offered encouragement for the decisive encounter ahead.

VAR drama and Salah penalty decide tight contest

The match hinged on a controversial moment just before half-time when VAR intervened following a lengthy review.

Burundian referee Pacifique Ndabihawenimana eventually awarded Egypt a penalty, which Mohamed Salah converted confidently in the 45th minute, sending captain Ronwen Williams the wrong way.

🏆 𝔸𝔽ℂ𝕆ℕ 𝟚𝟘𝟚𝟝 🏆

⚽️ ⒼⓄⒶⓁ: Mo Salah converts for Egypt from the penalty spot!

🇪🇬 1⃣➖0⃣ 🇿🇦

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Moments later, Egypt were reduced to 10 men when left-back Mohamed Hany was sent off after clattering into Teboho Mokoena near the benches. The dismissal came after a second booking, his first having been shown earlier in the half.

🏆 𝔸𝔽ℂ𝕆ℕ 𝟚𝟘𝟚𝟝 🏆

🔎Egypt are reduced to 10 men!

🇪🇬 1⃣➖0⃣ 🇿🇦

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Broos reshuffles as Bafana dominate second half

Broos made two changes from the opening 2-1 win over Angola, bringing in Thalente Mbata and Tshepang Moremi, while maintaining a settled back four of Khuliso Mudau, Aubrey Modiba, Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Siyabonga Ngezana in front of Williams.

Mudau's flailing hand makes contact with Salah's face 👀👇

Do you agree with the referee's decision? 🤔💭

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With a numerical advantage, South Africa pushed hard after the interval. Creative midfielder Sipho Mbule was introduced at half-time and immediately helped Bafana gain control, while Relebohile Mofokeng and Evidence Makgopa were later thrown on in an increasingly attack-minded setup.

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Despite sustained pressure and a strong second-half showing, clear-cut chances proved elusive. A late VAR check for a possible handball by Yasser Ibrahim ended with a free-kick awarded just outside the box, not the penalty Bafana were hoping for.

As the final whistle blew, Egypt celebrated progression, while South Africa were left to refocus quickly. All eyes now turn to Marrakesh, where a win against Zimbabwe will decide whether Bafana Bafana’s Afcon journey continues.

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