Sofapaka coach points accusing finger at referee

By James Waindi

Sofapaka coach Robert Matano has clearly not calmed down since his team’s 2-0

Champions League defeat to Ismaily on Saturday.

The tactician is blaming Libyan referee Adel El Rayaan for their premature exit from the continental event after they conceded two late goals in their second leg clash against the Egyptian giants.

Speaking upon arrival from Cairo, Matano said both goals were clear off sides and blamed their hosts of ill treatment before the match, which he says affected his players’ psychology.

"I would like to advice teams that would be drawn against Egyptian clubs in future to ensure that they win squarely at home because it is impossible to beat them away.

"I experienced something I never seen in my entire football career both as a player and coach.

First leg

"When Ismaily came here for the first leg, we had booked them at 680 Hotel, but they refused to stay there and had to be transferred to Laico Regency but when our turn reached, they booked us at a substandard Olympic Village where our movement was restricted and the conditions could not allow the players to comfortably think about the match," said Matano.

The hard talking tactician said they were psychologically tortured both out and inside the pitch, leaving them with slim chances of winning the match.

"When we entered the pitch, the referee over protected the hosts as he gave 17 fouls against us and gave us only three and their allowed offside goals really demoralised our players fighting spirits. We had one similar chance which was ruled offside in the first half," Matano said.

Ismaily’s two goals came through Mohammed Homos in the 64th minute and Abdallah Said in the 67th minute.

Egyptian international Essam El Hadary who steered the Pharaoh’s to their third consecutive Africa Cups of Nations title in Angola a month ago was in inspiring form for his club as well as he made five miraculous saves from John Baraza, Anthony Kimani, Bob Mugalia and from substitute Tafazwa Dondo.

"We played well and could have scored two goals in the first ten minutes were it not for Essam El Hadary’s heroics. It is a good experience for us and I think we are now a better side because we have learnt a lot," he said.

Matano said they were now turning their focus on the local league with an aim of retaining the title so as to feature at next year’s Champions League.

"When we entered the pitch, the referee over protected the hosts as he gave 17 fouls against us and gave us only three and allowed offside goals," he said.