Gor did no crime in Zambia, but were robbed Rachier

Gor did no crime in Zambia, but were robbed  Rachier

Gor Mahia chairman Ambrose Rachier has strongly refuted claims that Gor Mahia players attacked match officials in Zambia after Sunday’s CAF Confederations Cup defeat in the hands of NAPSA Stars.

According to Rachier, the images circulated on social media showing Gor players haranguing the match referee are ‘’improper” as it is the NAPSA fans who invaded the pitch after the match, while Gor players only sought an explanation from the referee on some of the ”uncalled for decisions” that led to their elimination from the tournament.

“Gor Mahia players were only 22. The number of NAPSA fans that invaded the pitch after the final whistle was too much and no one can say the 22 players had the capacity to cause chaos,’’ said Rachier.

Rachier says the poor officiating witnessed on Sunday is undermining the level of football in Africa and CAF needs to take action noting that the injury time duration was ”illegal” and intended to seek a win for NAPSA Stars.

‘’We know the referee’s decision was final but we are disappointed. We are waiting for a report from the match commissioner and we expect them to sanction NAPSA Stars over pitch invasion and also the referee for mishandling the match. The injury time duration was illegal and was intended to assist NAPSA get a win.’’

Meanwhile club secretary general Sam Ochola who travelled with the team to Zambia has said he doesn’t think the club will be sanctioned for the incident, noting that neither the match officials nor the home team raised complaints as “they are aware of what transpired”.

Ochola has however taken issue with the level of officiating, at the continental level, saying Gor were openly denied a group stage chance courtesy of poor officiating.

“No one complained about what happened after the match and I do not think we will be sanctioned. We are awaiting the match commissioner report before we can talk further. As a matter of fact, it is Napsa that is to face sanctions after their fans invaded the pitch,’’ explained Ochola.

Gor Mahia were leading until the 93rd minute, before the referee pointed to the spot, awarding the host a last-minute penalty which was converted by Zambian international Emmanuel Mayuka hence eliminating Gor from the competition.

Gor had arrived in Zambia an hour to kick off and headed straight to the pitch, thanks to their disorganisation, but displayed a great match.

With the continental assignments now in the backburner, KÓgalo will shift their attention to the domestic league.

Tags:

Ambrose Rachier GOR MAHIA CAF Confederations Cup Zambia referee Napsa Stars

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