SuperSport United coach Eric Tinkler has slammed the Gabonese officials who handled the CAF Confederations Cup quarter final first leg match between his team and Zesco United for what he called poor officiating.
Eric Arnaud Otogo-Castane from Gabon was the man at the centre and he was assisted by Vinga and Mihindou both from Gabon.
Speaking after seeing his side play to a goalless draw against the Zambian outfit, Tinkler said the officiating in the game was a disgrace and a mockery to the game.
“It’s disgraceful…. The goal Bradley [Grobler] scored, I don’t understand why it is not a goal, someone should explain to me why it is not a goal because the officials can’t,” a livid Tinkler said.
“I think the officiating is what destroyed the game, it was a mockery to the game. That’s what I think.”
“I am not saying it was biased towards one team but the officiating was a mockery it took away the whole shine of the game,” he added.
The 47 year old coach however admitted that his team could have done better in the second half when they found it difficult to get round the Zesco defense.
“We started so well, we had the opportunities, we scored, obviously the motivation and confidence of the players dropped in the second half and they started having more possession and we were struggling to get behind their lines. But it could have been done and dusted in the first half.”
On the game in Ndola, the former Bafana Bafana international said his team was well positioned for the second leg after the goalless draw.
“Our objective here was accomplished we wanted to keep a clean sheet and we did that. We [will] go there and they have to come at us. They will open up which is ideal for us and it is an opportunity for us to hurt them because that is our strength.”
Zesco United coach Zlatko Krmpotic said his team had a good game but was quick to say this was only the first of two games.
“We have a good chance in Ndola but Supersport play well away from home,” he said
The two teams play in the return match on Saturday next week in Ndola at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.
Photo courtesy of IOL
Having watched the game, I agree with tickler. The officiating was poor on the day, it wasn’t biased towards one team it was just poor. Both goals to me were clear goals no offside whatsoever!! A 1 all draw would have suited Zesco better going into the return leg because I feel Supersport have a slight edge now in that they don’t have to win for them to qualify whereas Zesco must get an outright win for them to progress which is slightly tougher in my opinion.
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