In a friendly match between Kenya and Zambia on Friday, October 9 at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi, Zambia head coach Micho reiterated that VAR is needed in Football after Chipolopolo’s disallowed goal.
In preparations for the upcoming African Cup of Nations Qualifiers, Kenya’s Harambee Stars survived a late scare to edge Zambia 2-1 in an international friendly. Kenya’s Head coach Francis Kimanzi played this match without some of his usual players such as Micheal Olunga, Arnord Origi, Ayub Timbe, Johanna Omolo and the Skipper Victor Wanyama. On the other side, the Chipolopolo head coach, Milutin Sredojevic Micho did not have the services of Clatous Chama, Aubrey Chirwa, Mwape Musonda, Patson Data and Enock Musonda.
The Harambe Stars, who had only been in training for five days, led the first half of the game through 25-year old forward Cliff Nyakeya, who had a good performance in the game. Cliff had his cross turned into the net by Zambian defender Mwape Tandi on 20 minutes before he scores the second goal on 37 minutes, this goal was his first goal in the senior national team.
Through substitute Emmanuel Chaluba, Zambia scored their goal at 81 minutes before the later drama of disallowed goal. The incident left coach Micho protesting and he mentioned it in a post-match interview.
“We scored a genuine second goal but it was not given. All those talking and saying that VAR is not needed in football now have the answers today because this is comedy. At this level it is not supposed to happen by all means.”Micho said. The Serbian tactician had once proposed Zambia FA the idea of using Video Assistance Referee (VAR) in Zambia Super League.
Zambia coach Micho played a friendly match in the middle of the week, beating Malawi 1-0 at the Heroes Stadium in Lusaka. They will travel to South Africa for another friendly game against Bafana Bafana this Sunday, October 11. Kenya have a proposal to play against Zimbabwe but this match has not yet been confirmed.
Kenya Starting XI: Ian Otieno, Baraka Badi, Brian Mandela, Joash Onyango, David Owino, Antony Akumu, Lawrence Juma, Kenneth Muguna, Eric Johanna, Cliff Nyakeya, Masoud Juma.
Subs: Timothy Odhiambo, Johnstone Omurwa, Clinton Oduor, Philemon Otieno, Francis Kahata, Haimi Abdallah, Elvis Rupia, Oscar Wamalwa, Timothy Otieno.
Zambia Starting XI: Sebastian Mwange, Lubambo Musonda, Zacharia Chilongoshi, Tandi Mwape, Kabaso Chongo, Benson Sakala, Kelvin Kapumbu, Edward Chilufya, Kings Kangwa, Evans Kangwa, Fashion Sakala.
Subs: Lameck Siame, Jackson Kakunta, Kondwani Chiboni, Godfrey Ngwenya, Luka Banda, Dominic Chanda, Leonard Mulenga, Chaniza Zulu, Collins Sikombe, Gamphani Lungu, Emmanuel Chabula, Kelvin Kampamba.
