Incredible AFCON 2025 controversy as VAR failure denies Benin a clear penalty

A remarkable and highly controversial incident at the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 has triggered outrage after Benin were denied a clear penalty because the VAR system failed at a decisive moment, turning a routine review into one of the tournament’s most talked-about scandals.

The incident took place during a tense Group D encounter in which DR Congo claimed a narrow 1-0 victory over Benin, with Theo Bongonda scoring the only goal of the match. While the result boosted DR Congo’s hopes of progressing, the aftermath was dominated by anger and disbelief rather than celebration, as attention shifted to a refereeing decision that many have described as indefensible.

In the second half, Benin launched a strong appeal for a penalty when defender Chancel Mbemba handled the ball inside the box while contesting a header. Slow-motion replays clearly showed the ball making contact with Mbemba’s arm, an infringement that would normally result in a spot kick under current handball regulations. Despite the protests, the referee initially allowed play to continue.

Moments later, the VAR team advised the official to review the incident. However, the situation took an astonishing turn when the pitch-side monitor failed to operate. After several minutes of confusion, the referee opted not to continue with the review and restarted the match, effectively ruling out the penalty because the technology was not working. The decision stunned players, coaches and supporters alike, as Benin were denied a potential equaliser through no fault of their own.

The delay caused by the malfunction led to ten minutes of added time, further heightening tensions on the pitch. Adding to the controversy, VAR had functioned normally earlier in the half, when DR Congo forward Cédric Bakambu saw a goal disallowed following a successful review. This contrast intensified criticism, with many questioning how a system could work selectively within the same match.

At full time, Benin’s players reacted with visible frustration, aware that the missed penalty could prove decisive in their campaign. The defeat leaves them in a difficult position in Group D, significantly reducing their margin for error in the remaining fixtures.

DR Congo will face Senegal in their next group match, a clash that could define the group’s hierarchy. Benin, by contrast, are now under intense pressure and must secure a positive result against Botswana to keep their AFCON 2025 hopes alive. Even so, the broken VAR incident is likely to remain a dark stain on the tournament, reopening debates about reliability, fairness and the role of technology in modern football.