Zambia Women’s Team Call For Replay Of Semi-Final

Following the loss of the Zambian women’s match on Monday, the Zambian football association (Faz) has requested a replay of the match, based on complaints about the decisions made by the referee.

 The team lost to South Africa 0-1 earlier this week in the Women’s African Cup of Nations (Wafcon) semi-final play-off.

During penalties, South African Linda Motlhalo was able to pocket a contentious 94th-minute penalty, and following a check by the video assistant referee (VAR), she was awarded the goal.

However, the outcome of the VAR check has been widely contended.

Following the goal, Zambian coach Brue Mwape and President Hakainde Hichilema said that the awarding of the goal through the VAR system was “questionable.”

Faz then launched an official complaint with Wafcon which outlined “six key incidences.”

In an interview, he stated, “We wish to contest the decision of the referee to award such a penalty as we call for a serious review of the game.”

Further, he outlined his wish to have the game “cancelled” and ordered a rematch.

It was also noted that it was a “great concern the poor officiating that characterised the tournament".

The complaint is part of an ever-growing list of issues that have been flagged by players taking part.

For example, Nigerian goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie, said that “The officiating was not really OK,” criticising the decision to send off two Nigerian players following VAR intervention. 

She also claimed that fans on the Moroccan side “did everything to distract” the opposition team, stating that her teammates had laser pens pointed at them during the shootout.

She said, “Since I've been playing football, this is the worst match I've ever played in my life.”

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