Why Nigeria-Zambia WCQ Can't Be Replayed Despite Disallowed Goal

Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) president Andrew Kamanga has explained why they won't appeal against Botswana referee Joshua Bondo for not allowing Augustine Mulenga’s goal to stand in their 1-0 loss to Nigeria in Uyo in Saturday.

Andrew Kamanga rendered clarity on the association’s stance stressing that a decision could only be overturned if there is proof of external influence.

It would be recalled that Fifa ordered the South Africa vs. Senegal World Cup qualifier to be replayed in November because a sporting analysis of the match confirmed reports of irregular betting activities from various international betting monitoring companies.

As it stands, the Nigeria versus Zambia World Cup qualifier can't be replayed because there were no irregular betting patterns on the market and none of the member associations were involved in the manipulation of the match’s result.

''We have spoken to the match commissioner, we did speak to the referee assessor I equally made frantic efforts to speak to officials in FIFA,'' Kamanga said in a press release.

''I had the opportunity to consult widely but the conclusion was that we were denied a clear goal, but the rules being what they are, you cannot overturn the decision of the referee.

''The only basis is when there is suspicion that there was evidence of external interference.

''The referee may be carpeted for making a wrong decision but the decision still stands, unfortunately that is the way football is and that is where we find ourselves.''

Igho Kingsley