Winners and Losers: Controversial VAR calls steal the spotlight, while Mbekezeli Mbokazi impresses against Liverpool FC superstar in Egypt’s narrow Africa Cup of Nations victory over Bafana Bafana

The Video Assistant Referee once again found itself at the centre of heated debate, shaping the narrative of the contest in ways that left both sets of supporters frustrated. The first flashpoint arrived when Khuliso Mudau, in attempting to challenge Mohamed Salah, caught the Egyptian forward in the face with a flailing arm. After a lengthy VAR review, the referee deemed the contact sufficient to award a penalty, a decision that sparked controversy and handed Egypt the breakthrough.

Yet the drama did not end there. Deep into stoppage time, Bafana Bafana believed they had earned their own reprieve when Teboho Mokoena’s strike ricocheted off the arm of Yasser Ibrahim. Replays appeared to show the Egyptian defender inside the box, but after consultation, the referee ruled otherwise and dismissed the appeals. The contrasting outcomes of these two pivotal moments ensured VAR became one of the most talked-about elements of the match, overshadowing much of the football itself and leaving lingering questions about consistency and fairness. 

The Egyptian shot-stopper emerged as a towering figure for his nation, delivering a performance defined by composure, authority and resilience. Time and again, El Shenawy was called upon to keep South Africa at bay and each intervention carried weight. 

His ability to remain unflustered in the face of relentless attacks ensured Egypt preserved their clean sheet and ultimately secured maximum points. In a match brimming with drama and controversy, it was El Shenawy’s assured presence between the posts that provided the Pharaohs with the stability they needed to triumph. 

For Mohamed Hany, the evening unravelled in the most frustrating of fashions. Already walking a tightrope after picking up an early caution, the Egyptian right-back failed to keep his discipline and was shown a second yellow card before the first half had even concluded.  

His dismissal, the result of a late challenge on Teboho Mokoena, left the Pharaohs to battle the remainder of the contest with ten men. In a match defined by fine margins and controversial decisions, Hany’s lack of composure forced his teammates to dig deep and reshuffle tactically in order to protect their slender lead.

The centre-back delivered one of the most commanding performances on the pitch, stamping his authority across every defensive metric. Mbokazi was relentless in his duels, sharp in his tackles, and decisive with his clearances, ensuring South Africa remained competitive throughout.  

He combined strength in aerial battles with composure on the ground, recovering possession at key moments and distributing the ball with accuracy to launch attacks from the back. His blend of physical dominance and technical assurance made him a standout figure, embodying the resilience and determination that defined Bafana Bafana’s display.

Despite showing far greater spirit and urgency after the interval, South Africa’s frontline ultimately lacked the cutting edge required to turn pressure into goals. Their build-up play was lively, their movement more dynamic and they carved out promising positions in the final third. Yet when it came to the decisive moments, composure deserted them. 

Although he found himself at the centre of controversy with a penalty awarded against him, Khuliso Mudau still delivered a performance of real substance and influence. The full-back contributed tirelessly on both ends of the pitch, showing resilience in defence with key interventions while also driving forward to support attacking moves. His ability to recover quickly, link play, and maintain composure under pressure ensured that he remained a vital figure throughout the contest.