Kenyan referee under fire after CAF Champions League semifinal controversy

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Kenyan referee under fire after CAF Champions League semifinal controversy

Festus Chuma 15:00 - 28.04.2024

TP Mazembe's coach criticizes officiating after a controversial decision during the CAF Champions League semifinal impacts their loss to Al Ahly.

Celebrated referee Peter Waweru Kamaku has come under intense scrutiny following a controversial decision during the CAF Champions League semifinal clash between TP Mazembe and Al Ahly. 

The match, which saw the Egyptian giants advance with a 3-0 aggregate victory, was marred by what many are calling questionable officiating, with TP Mazembe's head coach Lamine N’Diaye vocally expressing his dissatisfaction.

The controversy centered around a disallowed goal by TP Mazembe's Joel Beya in the 57th minute of the second leg. After consulting the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), Kamaku ruled out Beya's opener due to a handball, a decision that shifted the momentum of the game significantly.

Al Ahly capitalized on the ruling, scoring three times through Mohamed Abdelmonem, Wessam Abou Ali, and Akram Tawfik to seal their spot in the final.

In an interview, an evidently frustrated N’Diaye did not mince his words, accusing the referee of bias towards the Egyptian side.

 "We must talk about it; we lost by three goals, which angers me," N’Diaye said, according to KingFut. 

"I am frustrated because I know well that we are in Africa; if we want to progress, the referees must be serious and better than that."

N’Diaye also emphasized the impact of the refereeing on his team's performance and focus. 

"The game was one-sided regarding refereeing, and I know well that we are human and can make mistakes, but I am frustrated, and this affected us and our focus. The referee played a negative role in this match, and Al Ahly does not need that," he added.

Al Ahly's victory ensures their appearance in the CAF Champions League final for the fifth consecutive year, where they will face Tunisian giants Espérance Sportive de Tunis. 

Espérance secured their final spot by eliminating Mamelodi Sundowns with a 1-0 win, courtesy of Raed Bouchniba's goal, marking a consistent performance over both legs of their semifinal.

The referee's decision has sparked a broader discussion about the standard of officiating in critical matches within African football competitions. 

Experts and fans alike are calling for more transparency and accuracy in refereeing especially with the increasing use of VAR technology.

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