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Zimbabwe's coach has defended Senegalese referee criticized by Engin Firat after 2025 AFCON qualifier Group J opener played in Kampala on Friday.
Some refereeing controversies became major talking points after the Harambee Stars were held to a goalless stalemate in a heated 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Zimbabwe.
The match, held at Nelson Mandela Stadium last Friday, saw tensions flare over several contentious decisions made by the match official.
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Harambee Stars struggled to capitalize on their dominance in a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier played at Nelson Mandela Stadium in Kampala.
Harambee Stars head coach, Engin Firat, did not mince words in his post-match press conference, vehemently criticizing the Senegalese referee for his handling of the game.
Firat's grievances centered on two main incidents involving Zimbabwean players that he felt warranted harsher penalties.
According to Firat, Zimbabwe’s John Takwara should have been sent off in the 66th minute for a dangerous tackle on Kenyan midfielder Amos Nondi.
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09:00 - 07.09.2024
Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat blames referee for drub draw against Zimbabwe
Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat criticized poor refereeing in a 0-0 draw against Zimbabwe in the AFCON qualifiers held in Uganda.
The challenge sparked uproar from the Kenyan bench and players, who surrounded the referee, demanding decisive action.
Firat also questioned the referee’s decision not to issue a second yellow card to Khama Billiat, who had been previously booked in the first half.
"Billiat should also have been sent off for a second bookable offence. Austin [Odhiambo] was fouled in the box and nothing was given. Why is it always us?" Firat lamented.
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In response to the criticism, Zimbabwe's coach Michael Nees presented a contrasting perspective, praising the referee's performance despite the high-pressure environment.
"Look from a coaching position, you don't have the best view if the decisions are always right. You think you have the best view when it's against your team, you protest, he must have made a mistake and so. But I think he officiated very calm," Nees explained.
The gaffer elaborated on the referee's decisions, acknowledging the issuance of yellow cards as justified and asserting the official maintained composure throughout the match.
"The yellow card against Khama [Billiat] was correct, yes. Against Gerrard [Takwara], yes, you can give. He didn't overreact because their bench was always jumping up with every referee's decision so he stayed calm. I think the referee had a good game. He didn't get nervous or so," Nees added.
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18:32 - 06.09.2024
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Kenya were wasteful with the few chances they got in a game where they dominated ball possession during their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
Nees also hinted at the subjectivity of such assessments from the technical area, suggesting that the coaching bench may not always have the clearest view or the most impartial judgment.
"I think one time they wanted to die for a penalty. But the coaching bench position is not the best to really evaluate a referee's performance. It's very subjective. You maybe understand, had a better view. But solid, no real mistakes and good game from him," he concluded.
The disputes over refereeing decisions have added an extra layer of drama to the upcoming fixtures, as the Harambee Stars prepare to face Namibia on Tuesday in their second AFCON qualifier.
Both teams will be eager to secure crucial points in their bid to advance in the tournament but the fallout from this contentious match may linger as they move forward.
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