Broos Rages at Penalty Decision in Egypt Defeat: Salah ‘Surprised

The fuss surrounding Mohamed Salah at Liverpool is now a thing of the past. But the star is also in the spotlight at the African Cup of Nations.

On Monday he already defeated Egypt in extra time against Zimbabwe and he now did that again in the second group match. Although he waited less time against South Africa to make the decision.

In minute 45′ the North Africans received a (very light) penalty and that was a piece of cake for Salah. He secured the 1-0 final score with an attempted panenka – even though Egypt received a red card before half time.

However, South Africa coach Hugo Broos was not at all pleased with the penalty afterwards. “Salah even came up to me after the match and was surprised that they had blown a penalty. It’s absurd,” he cursed at the press conference.

In extra time, South Africa also wanted a penalty, but after a long VAR review it ultimately did not happen. And that of course added fuel to Broos’ fire.

“They spend 45 minutes before the tournament explaining the rules when it comes to a red card or a penalty. But afterwards there are so many interpretations that no one knows what to decide anymore.”

“During that meeting they said that if an arm is straight, it’s a penalty. That was true in this case. And then suddenly they say it was a support arm. Who made that up? It’s a penalty, period.”

“We lost today, but that is also due to the referee’s decisions.”

Yet there is still no problem for South Africa after the 1-0 defeat. Due to a draw between Zimbabwe and Angola, the Bafana Bafana are still second in group B. On the final match day, Broos and co. against Zimbabwe. Egypt is certain of the 1/8th finals.