South Africa coach claims Bassey’s equaliser should have been canceled

South Africa coach Hugo Broos has claimed Calvin Bassey’s equaliser in Nigeria’s 1-1 draw with Bafana Bafana should have been disallowed for handball.

Bassey levelled for the Super Eagles in the 44th minute after William Troost-Ekong’s own goal had given South Africa the lead.

The Fulham defender headed in Fisayo Dele-Bashiru’s cross, but replays suggested the ball made contact with his arm before crossing the line.

Speaking after the match, Broos admitted his side could have defended better but insisted Nigeria’s goal was illegitimate.

“It was a game like I expected. On my side, the team who wants to play football, on the other side, a team who tried to win the game by power,” the Belgian said.

“If we defended with more aggressiveness the goal would never arrive, and secondly it was handball.”

The draw leaves Nigeria third in Group C of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers with 11 points, six behind leaders South Africa on 17.

The Super Eagles must win their remaining two fixtures in October and hope Bafana Bafana drop points to stand a chance of reaching the tournament in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.