AFCON 2025: First VAR Malfunction as Referee is Unable to Review Potential Penalty

13:55 - 16 December 2025

Image

VAR has worked seamlessly at AFCON matches but the first hiccup was experienced when Benin missed a chance to get a potential penalty after a system failure.

Benin's Africa Cup of Nations campaign began in controversy after a VAR system failure prevented a review of a potential late penalty in their 1-0 loss to the Democratic Republic of Congo on Tuesday.

The Group D clash was decided by an early goal from Spartak Moscow winger Theo Bongonda. He expertly volleyed home from 10 yards after a defensive misjudgment from Benin's Yohan Roche, who failed to deal with a long ball from Arthur Masuaku.

DR Congo, led by Real Betis striker Cedric Bakambu, appeared to have secured a two-goal cushion early in the second half. However, Bakambu's close-range header was disallowed for an offside in the build-up following a lengthy VAR check.

PAY ATTENTION: Follow us on Google News, Stay informed with Latest Sport News

While the technology was operational for that decision, it failed at a crucial moment later in the match. A cross into the DR Congo box seemed to strike the arm of captain Chancel Mbemba, but referee Abongile Tom was unable to review the play on the pitchside monitor due to a system malfunction.

Benin Coach Lauds Players

Update: 🇧🇯 Benin

Coach Gernot Rohr very unhappy after VAR malfunctioned as seen here: Chancel Mbemba seemed to have handled the ball in his box, but when ref 🇿🇦 Abongile Tom wanted a second look, the system wouldn't work.

🇨🇩 DR Congo won 1-0. pic.twitter.com/9GyT1nE6oF
— Gary Al-Smith (@garyalsmith) December 23, 2025

Though television replays were ambiguous as to whether the ball hit the former Newcastle United defender's arm or shoulder, the inability to conduct a review left Benin officials incensed. It was later confirmed by officials that the VAR system had indeed stopped working at that critical juncture.

Despite the frustrating outcome, Benin head coach Gernot Rohr expressed pride in his team's performance. "We witnessed a very good football match that did not deserve a loser," he told reporters. "My team made me proud."

Benin will aim to bounce back in their next match on Saturday against Botswana, who suffered a 3-0 defeat to Senegal in their opening fixture.

In a separate match, the VAR system was functioning correctly as it played a key role in Burkina Faso's game against Equatorial Guinea. Basilio Ndong of Equatorial Guinea had his initial yellow card upgraded to a red for a dangerous tackle after a pitchside review.