Overview:
TV replays suggested there was contact and probably, Traore could have consulted VAR but he declined and this led to protests from Gamondi and his bench even at final whistle.
Tanzania coach Miguel Angel Gamondi couldn’t hide his disappointment for some of the refereeing decisions that went against his side in the 1-0 to hosts Morocco in the round of 16 of the Afcon.
In a packed Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium, Brahimi Diaz 64th minute goal, his fourth in as many goals gave the Atlas Lions victory and passage to the quarter final.
However, the game was marred by some controversial decisions with Malian referee Boubou Traore often accused of denying the Taifa Stars a late penalty after substitute Selemani Nado went down under a push from Adam Masina in injury time.
“We had a great performance against one of the best teams on the continent. The Tanzanian people can be proud of the team,” said Gamondi in a post-match press conference.
“Yes, they have territorial domination but we defended well. They created two chances; we created two chances as well but, in the end, they won,” he added.
“They put a lot of pressure on us with the help of the fans but we stood tall and were tactically smart and I can only be proud of the team.
“Despite that, I am not happy with some decisions of the referee because I believe we could have had a penalty. We could be a small team but we need fairness. But it is what it is, nothing to do.”
The Tanzania bench and on field players were often frustrated especially with the referee bookings and for same fouls committed against them, no Moroccan player got into the book save for Ismael Saibari deep in the second half.
The penalty incident
Deep into the final stages of the game, substitute Iddi Selemani Nado received the ball inside the Morocco penalty box and as he raced towards the byline, Adam Masina appeared to stretched his arm and pushed him to the ground.
TV replays suggested there was contact and probably, Traore could have consulted VAR but he declined and this led to protests from Gamondi and his bench even at final whistle.
That decision sparked controversy and the talk has continued through on social media.
Penalty or no penalty? What did you make of Traore’s call?