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#OverReaction: Burundian Referee irk fans in Zim and on the continent

It has become fashionable in today’s politically correct world never to blame the officials for a loss, even when they are so inept, there’s no other logical conclusion. Fortunately, no one has ever accused me of being either fashionable or politically correct.

The Mighty Warriors lost 1 nil in their second AWCON encounter against Egypt not because the defence failed to show up.

No, the Mighty Warriors lost, because of referee Suavis Iratunga of Burundi and his crew of incompetent assistant referees. As the voice of the Commentator, summed it up: “This was one of the worst-officiated games I’ve ever seen.”

The referee controversially disallowed a clear legitimate goal for offside after the Mighty Warriors had quickly got back to equalize having gone down through a scrappy goal.

Zimbabweans were robbed in the eyes of the World and right in front of The CAF President , Issa Hayatou who was part of the crowd.

Fans across the country and high profile media practitioners vented their anger in disgust and quite a number had not so nice words for the Burundian woman in the middle, and quite rightly so.

Fans reaction on Social media:

Innocent Mats I was so hurt…. almost shed sum tears by this poor officiating Burundian referee. Good Character and attitude shown by our mighty warriors,you made us proud girls.

Charles Matekenya Where Is That Fair Play Then
The One Who Officiated ZIM EGYPT Women Must Be Banned For Life. Dont Bring Results From Your Kitchen Nxaaaa Stupid Refree, DAMN

Richard Jakachira A stupid decision by the referee .Disappointed

How bad was it? The Mighty were flagged for quite a number of infringements, while the Egyptians got away with decisions. It would seem the referee was biased through the match. The referee who appeared to have given the goal changed her mind after consultations with her assistance.

However some fans felt perhaps Zimbabwe will only have themselves to blame after having dominated play for long periods of time. The Mighty Warriors’ greatest undoing was in decision making in front of goals were they tend to shoot when a cross could have been a better option or rather crossing were a simple shot on target was the better option.

Nyasha Valentine Murandu In the end we can only blame ourselves..Too many chances wasted,especially mu first half..If they work on that final pass and scoring we’ll beat Cameroon and still be in line to get to the next stage..

How is a fan supposed to react when his/her favorite team is robbed in broad-day light, or maybe is just not too bright? Can the fan tune out all of the absurdity?

Some felt the episode was embarrassing for Africa as the standard of officiating in the continent continue to go down.With fans taking to the official CAF Facebook page to express their views:

Richard Mudyazvivi I’m no longer watching the whole tournament. FRAUD. You make football unpopular. SHAME ON CAF.

Webster Chiruka ….Egypt should be ashamed to celebrate such a blatantly open fraud!

Jaymz Tafadzwa Hlabanu Very very poor officiating from the referee. I think its high time CAF do something about this because its slowly destroying our lovely game. How are these referees selected actually?

Cameroon who beat South Africa 1 nil earlier have proceeded to the next round  with still the match against the Mighty Warriors game in hand while Egypt have moved into second with 3 points. South Africa and Zimbabwe complete the group standings with a point apiece.

Video of the disallowed goal:

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