Monster scandal in Egypt – South Africa, Ngezana's match with Salah » Two decisions angered the South Africans
Article by Romeo Ene – Published Friday, December 26, 2025 7:40 p.m. / Updated Friday, December 26, 2025 7:50 p.m.
Siyabonga Ngezana (28 years old), the stopper of FCSB, was integral on Friday for the South African national team, in the failure with Egypt, in the second stage of the Africa Cup of Nations. The only goal of the game was scored by Mohamed Salah (33 years old), the star of Liverpool, in the 45th minute, after converting a shot from 11 meters.
The match was marked by two controversial refereeing decisions, contested by the South Africans. First, Ngezana's national team accused the fact that the penalty was awarded very easily, after a defender wiped Salah's face with his hand.
“Central” Pacifique Ndabihawenimana (Burundi) pointed the spot with the lime, to the despair of the South Africans.
VIDEO | Ngezana, solid performance against Mohamed Salah in Egypt – South Africa
Salah scores a penalty for Egypt 🇪🇬
He's on fire at the AFCON 👑 pic.twitter.com/ZF5HnfhRyK
— Paul🥷 (@l4pablo) December 26, 2025
And the second controversial decision came in extra time, when South Africa called for a penalty kick this time.
“South Africa's players were left stunned after not being awarded a penalty in stoppage time for a possible handball by Egypt in the box”, note those from ESPN, on X.
The penalty requested by South Africa // PHOTO: X
On the pitch, Egypt was outnumbered in the 45+2 minute, after the removal of Mohamed Hany, as a result of the accumulation of yellow cards.
In the second half, Egypt defended organized. South Africa forced with long balls and constant pressure. Mudau missed a good opportunity in the 70th minute, and El Shenawy intervened decisively.
In the 79th minute, Obri Emadiva had another important chance, but Egypt's goalkeeper denied again. The North Africans' defense held until the end.
The final was marked by a controversial phase. Yasser Ibrahim touched the ball with his hand. The referee analyzed whether the ball was inside the box. After six minutes of VAR checking, no penalty was awarded. Egypt kept the advantage and got an important victory.
After the first two stages, Egypt has six points and is qualified further, being 1st in Group B. South Africa has three points and is in second place.
In the final round, Egypt will play Angola and South Africa will meet Zimbabwe in a decisive match for qualification.
Africa Cup of Nations Group B standings
