By Boluwatife Kehinde
Former South Africa international goalkeeper, Itumeleng Khune, has sparked debate after questioning the legitimacy of Calvin Bassey’s equaliser in Nigeria’s 1-1 draw with Bafana Bafana during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier match on Tuesday.
Bassey, the Fulham defender, rose highest in the 45th minute to head home after William Troost-Ekong’s own goal had put South Africa ahead in the 25th minute. But Khune insists the ball struck Bassey’s hand before crossing the line, arguing that the referee and his assistant failed to spot a clear infringement despite protests from South African players.
“I don’t know how the referee missed that. He was in a very good position to see it, and if he didn’t, his linesman should have,” Khune told SABC. “When you look at Bassey’s movement, he jumped higher than everyone else, but the ball clearly touched his hand.”
The Kaizer Chiefs legend further lamented the absence of Video Assistant Referee (VAR), claiming it would have overturned the decision. “With VAR, that goal wouldn’t have stood. It’s frustrating because mistakes like these change games of this magnitude,” he added.
The game ended in a tense stalemate, but Bassey’s controversial equaliser has continued to dominate conversations. While Nigerian fans hailed his determination, South African supporters remain furious, branding it a costly officiating error. The incident has once again fuelled calls for CAF to introduce VAR in all World Cup qualifiers across Africa.
About Khune
Khune, regarded as one of South Africa’s most decorated goalkeepers, knows all too well the fine margins of big matches. Having spent his entire career with Kaizer Chiefs since debuting in 2004, he won three Premier Soccer League titles, the MTN 8, Nedbank Cup, and Telkom Knockout, cementing his status as a club icon. Internationally, he earned over 90 caps, lifted the 2008 COSAFA Cup, and represented Bafana Bafana as first-choice goalkeeper at the 2010 FIFA World Cup on home soil and the 2009 Confederations Cup.
With his decorated career and leadership reputation, Khune’s criticism has added weight to the growing debate over refereeing standards in African football.
