Kaz defends offside call, questions ref handling in Simba loss

ZANZIBAR: SIMBA SC’s CAF Confederation Cup clash with RS Berkane ended in controversy, as refereeing decisions took centre stage, leaving fans, players and coaching staff fuming.

Former FIFA referee and football analyst Othman Kaz provided a detailed assessment of key incidents, including a disallowed goal and a red card that turned the tide against Simba.

While Kaz defended the offside call on Steven Mukwala’s goal, he acknowledged that other overlooked fouls and the handling of Simba coach Fadlu Davids’ protests may have contributed to the escalating tension and impacted the team’s performance.

The turning point came when Simba forward Mukwala scored what appeared to be a game-tying goal, sparking wild celebrations among travelling fans.

However, their joy was short-lived as the goal was ruled out for offside  a decision passionately contested by supporters.

Kaz offered a calm explanation: “Mukwala was ahead of the last defender when the ball was played. From a referee’s perspective, that’s a textbook offside call.

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The assistant referee and the VAR team got it right.” The offside was just one part of a pattern of officiating decisions that left Simba frustrated.

The match took another turn when defensive midfielder Yusuf Kagoma was shown a red card for a challenge that, according to Simba’s bench, did not warrant such punishment.

Kaz admitted the red card was debatable: “It’s a tight call. From one angle, it looks like he gets the ball, but from another, the studs are up. That kind of challenge risks being interpreted as dangerous play.”

Simba head coach Fadlu Davids was visibly upset on the sidelines, particularly after a series of unpunished fouls against his players, including a clear one on midfielder Joshua Mutale just metres from the penalty area. “Fadlu’s reaction was understandable, especially with the foul on Mutale that should have been a booking to Berkane,” said Kaz.

Tensions boiled over when the referee issued a yellow card to Fadlu for dissent and a red card to his assistant, further inflaming the situation. This sequence of cards shifted the psychological balance of the match, as Simba, already under pressure, struggled to regroup.

“When a coach feels the officiating is unfair, that frustration can transfer to the players,” Kaz noted. “It becomes a mental battle as much as a physical one.”

Despite playing with 10 men, Simba continued to fight valiantly, pushing for a late goal. However, the disruption and loss of composure proved too great to overcome.

The final whistle confirmed RS Berkane’s place in the next stage, leaving Simba to reflect on what might have been.