Kaizer Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi expressed his surprise that a large country like South Africa has not yet implemented VAR in its league.

Nabi was infuriated after Mamelodi Sundowns were awarded a controversial goal that sealed their 2-1 victory over Chiefs in the Betway Premiership match at FNB Stadium on Saturday.

Lucas Ribeiro Costa, who scored the equalizer, appeared to be offside in the build-up to the goal before setting up Iqraam Rayners for the finish.

Chiefs, who relentlessly attacked the Sundowns’ goal, believed they had scored an equalizer late in the match, but Inacio Miguel fouled Mosa Lebusa, leading the referee Skhumbuzo Gasa to disallow the goal.

Gasa also ordered the Chiefs technical team to put away their iPad, which they were using to review incidents. Without VAR in the PSL, Gasa was unable to review the play, further angering Nabi.

“Everyone I spoke to said it was offside,” Nabi told SuperSport TV. “It’s clearly offside, and I’m surprised that South Africa doesn’t have VAR. It’s unbelievable that countries like Tunisia and Morocco in North Africa have VAR, but a country like South Africa, with a big federation and national team, doesn’t.

“We talked to the referee, but their goal was offside by a significant margin. We fought back in the second half, but I don’t want to win through gifts. I respect the rules of the game and don’t need anyone to help me.”

This was Chiefs’ first loss of the season, having defeated Marumo Gallants and AmaZulu in their previous matches.

Nabi, while criticizing the incorrect call, maintained that Chiefs are progressing in the right direction. “I don’t want to make excuses. If I lose, I lose, and I’ll continue building and cooking,” he said before leaving the post-match interview.