Barker Blasts Refereeing Decisions In Tanzania
A frustrated Steve Barker lamented ‘poor officiating’ in Stellenbosch’s draw against Singida Black Stars in the CAF Confederation Cup group stage match at Amaan Stadium in Tanzania on Sunday.
With two minutes remaining after Barker’s side had taken a lead through Langelihle Phili, Omega Mdaka was adjudged to have brought down Gambian forward Lamine Jarjou inside the box. Togolese attacker Marouf Tchakei converted the penalty, placing it into the bottom corner to see the game finished 1-1.
It was Singida’s first-ever goal in the competition.
However, the referee’s decisions left Barker in total frustration, as his side did not earn maximum points.
“In my opinion, we should have six points. Unfortunately, we are not given a clear penalty when we are leading 1-0, which often leads to 2-0, so I am very disappointed in the officiating,” he said.
“It is what it is; the players gave a good account of themselves. We had a good structure, we defended well, and we had our opportunities on transitions. At half time, that was the message, and I knew with just one opportunity to get in behind them we would get something, which we did, and then after that we had to manage the game.”
The result sees last season’s Confederation Cup semi-finalists sit on top of Group C on four points after match-day two.
The side from the Western Cape is currently the only unbeaten side in their group heading into their third fixture in the competition.
“Very disappointed in the outcome of the game, I believe that was an opportunity to get maximum points,” added the Stellies mentor.
On a positive note, the side from the Cape Winelands saw one of their most promising prospects, 20-year-old Phili, make his 50th appearance for the club.
Phili, who joined the side from AmaZulu in 2023, broke the deadlock in the 52nd minute, running on to a through ball by Ashley Cupido just after the halfway line, using his pace to beat the oncoming defender before unleashing a thunderous strike into the top corner once inside the 18-yard area.
Barker’s charges have their work cut out in their next encounter in January, as they will meet a familiar foe in the form of Sead Ramovic, who is at the helm of Algerian club CR Belouizdad.
