After a controversial VAR decision, Zambia’s football association (FAZ) has asked for a repeat of its WAFCON semifinal matchup versus South Africa.
The Copper Queens were defeated 1-0 on Monday after Linda Motlhalo scored a disputed penalty that had been awarded after a video assistant referee (VAR) check in the 94th minute.
After consulting a pitchside monitor, Ethiopian referee Lidya Tafesse determined that Martha Tembo had fouled Jermaine Seoposenwe.
Following the game, Zambian coach Bruce Mwape questioned the value of VAR, while the nation’s president Hakainde Hichilema referred to the penalty as “questionable.”
Faz has lodged an official complaint with WAFCON organisers the Confederation of African Football, CAF, highlighting “six key incidences” as grounds for a replay.
“We wish to contest the decision of the referee to award such a penalty as we call for a serious review of the game,” Faz’s letter of appeal said.
“We call for the penalty to be cancelled, that a replay be ordered and that the referee be barred from handling any [further] games.”
Zambia has also “noted with great concern the poor officiating that marked the competition,” said FAZ general secretary Adrian Kashala.
Mwape felt that the VAR ruling was unjust on his disgruntled players and that he was “extremely upset with the manner the penalty was handed.”
“In the future, people will start saying it will be pointless to have referees if the cameras can decide,” he told newsmen.
“They should just be firm, because it’s high time the referees improved in terms of officiating games.”
The Super Falcons had two players sent off in their last-four loss to Morocco on penalties, both following VAR’s involvement, and Nigeria’s goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie was also unhappy of the refereeing.
Nigerian players were allegedly targeted by laser pens during their shootout, according to Nnadozie, who also claimed Moroccan supporters “tried everything to disturb” her team.
“Since I’ve been playing football, this is the worst match I’ve ever played in my life,” she said.
