Young South African defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi delivered a commanding performance in Bafana Bafana’s 1-0 loss to Egypt at the TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 on Friday, effectively neutralizing Liverpool star Mohamed Salah until a controversial first-half penalty proved decisive.
The 20-year-old Chicago Fire-bound centre-back, fresh from his $3 million transfer from Orlando Pirates, registered a game-high 86 touches, won all his duels, and provided sharp defending. Mbokazi largely shut down Salah and Omar Marmoush, earning praise for his maturity against world-class attackers.
Bafana coach Hugo Broos lauded Mbokazi’s display but reiterated criticism of his MLS move as premature, arguing it’s not challenging enough for his “elite potential” and he should have waited for a top European club post-tournament.
Fans remain divided: some view MLS as offering financial stability and a stepping stone to Europe, while others fear it squanders a generational talent. Chicago Fire confirmed Mbokazi’s guaranteed first-team role through 2029.
The Orlando Pirates product shrugged off the debate: “I just do my job.”
South Africa, after an opening win over Angola, next face Zimbabwe needing points for knockout progression.