‘We can’t argue’: Mbokazi on refereeing drama against Egypt at AFCON

Bafana Bafana defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi has called for focus and unity following the officiating storm that marred South Africa’s narrow 1-0 defeat to Egypt on Boxing Day in a Group B tie at the 2025 AFCON in Morocco.

The clash, which saw the Pharaohs secure a place in the knockout stages, was dominated by the decisions of Burundian referee Pacifique Ndabihawenimana. The official first awarded a soft penalty to Egypt after a minimal challenge by Khuliso Mudau on Mohamed Salah, and later dismissed a late South African appeal for what appeared to be a blatant handball in the Egyptian box.

The VAR Heartbreak For Bafana At AFCON

The most contentious moment for the South African camp came in the dying embers of the game. After a lengthy VAR review for a potential handball by an Egyptian defender, Ndabihawenimana opted not to award the spot-kick, despite replays showing clear contact.

Mbokazi, the Chicago Fire-bound center-back who has been a pillar of the Bafana defense, admitted the squad was left stunned by the final whistle.

“We had a hope that the referee was going to give us a penalty, but we can’t complain; we don’t know how the referee made the decision,” Mbokazi stated with professional composure. “We can’t argue anything. What happened won’t come back.”

Shifting Focus to the “Battle of the North”

While Hugo Broos has been vocal in his criticism of the officiating, Mbokazi is spearheading a player-led movement to move past the frustration. With a decisive final group game against Zimbabwe looming, the defender insists there is no room for a “victim mentality.”

“What we need to do as a team is to work together in our next match to make sure that we win,” Mbokazi added. “We just have to continue to fight.”

AFCON: High Stakes in Marrakesh

The 1-0 loss leaves Bafana Bafana needing a positive result against their neighbors, the Warriors of Zimbabwe, to ensure their AFCON journey continues. For Mbokazi and his teammates, the objective is simple: secure the points necessary to keep the dream of a second continental star alive.

As the team departs Agadir for Marrakesh, the narrative has shifted from the “what ifs” of the Egypt game to the must-win reality of the upcoming Southern African derby.