Sports

Female footballers beat up referee over poor officiating in Tanzania (Video)

Published

6 months ago

June 11, 2024

A football match in the Tanzanian women’s league between Ceacea Queens and Yanga Princess on Monday was thrown into chaos after the players descended on the female referee over alleged poor officiating.

The incident, which was captured on video, saw the female players assaulting the match official in what has been seriously condemned by the country’s football authorities.

Footage from the attack captured the moment Ceasiaa Queens players violently chased and attacked the referee after a contentious penalty decision.

A local media reports that the incident, which occurred during the closing stages of a crucial league match, has sparked widespread condemnation.

“In the disturbing scenes, the match official is seen being pursued across the pitch by several players after awarding a penalty to the opposition,” the report said.

“The referee’s attempt to flee was momentarily successful as she dashed towards the athletics track surrounding the field, only to be pursued relentlessly.

“Eyewitness videos show that even as she neared the team benches, the chaos escalated.

“One player attempted a physical assault but missed, heightening the tension around the ground.

“The referee was briefly able to distance herself from her pursuers but was surrounded again near the tunnel entrance, leading to further attempts at violence.

“Authorities intervened as some players managed to catch up to the referee, with one launching a kick and a male spectator throwing punches.

“The match was subsequently halted prematurely, with Ceasiaa Queens ahead 2-1 and just minutes away from the final whistle.

“The incident comes at a tense time in the league, as Ceacea Queens and Yanga Princess vie for second and third places, respectively, following Simba’s clinching of the championship with 54 points.”

The assault on the referee has prompted the Football Association of Tanzania to intervene with a vow to commence an immediate investigation into the incident, with potential sanctions pending for those involved.

“Such behaviour tarnishes the spirit of the game and is unacceptable in sports,” an official of the football governing body said in a statement on behalf of the body.

🚨 Tense moments at the Ceacea Queens match! Watch as controversy unfolds on the field.

#CeaceaQueens #FootballDrama pic.twitter.com/6wHQa4jzpB

— Festus Chuma (@fessychuma) June 10, 2024

Related Topics:Assault Featured Referee Tanzania Women Football

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Sports

TP Mazembe pip AS FAR to win African Women’s Champions League

Published

1 hour ago

November 24, 2024

Isaac Dachen

TP Mazembe of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) became the third team to win the 2024 African Women’s Champions League after narrowly defeating AS FAR of Morocco 1-0 in the final played on Sunday at the El Jadida’s Stade Ben Ahmed El Abdi Stadium.

TP Mazembe claimed the title for the first time courtesy of a 10th minute penalty which was converted by Marlene Kasaj after AS FAR captain Aziza Rabbah handled the ball in the box.

The Congolese side should have doubled their lead six minutes later when an unmarked Merveille Kanjinga fired wide from seven yards out before the more fancied home team gradually grew into the match and looked to cancel the deficit and add to their continental triumph in 2022.

But AS FAR put in a subdued display and failed to test Mazembe’s goalkeeper Fideline Ngoy, with tournament top scorer Doha El Madani who had netted six goals in their run to the final, wasting their best chance as she sliced a first-half free-kick wide.

With the triumph, TP Mazembe carted home the giant trophy and a cheque for $600,000 (£479,000) after the prize money was increased for the fourth edition of the tournament, while the AS FAR went home with $400,000 (£319,000).

Sports

Wafcon 2024 draw throws up interesting pairings

Published

1 day ago

November 23, 2024

Isaac Dachen

The draw for the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) holding in Morocco from July 5 to 26 next year which was held on Friday, threw up some interesting match-ups to look forward to as hosts Morocco found themselves in what has been described as the group of death.

The Atlas Lionesses will have to contend with Zambia, DR Congo and Senegal in Group A, while Group B has record 11-time continental champions, the Super Falcons of Nigeria slugging it out with Tunisia, Algeria and Botswana, just as current defending champions, Banyana Banyana of South Africa will do battle with Ghana, Mali and Tanzania in Group C.

The top two sides in each group will progress to the quarter-finals, alongside the two best third-placed finishers.

Though qualification for the 2024 Wafcon was completed in December last year, the Confederation of African Football (CAF), was forced to push the finals into 2025 because of international football’s congested calendar, which included the participation of Nigeria and Zambia at the Olympics.

Morocco also staged the 2022 edition of Wafcon, ending as runners-up, and former international Fatiha Laassiri believes home support will provide “a real advantage” next year.

Wafcon 2024 group draw with world ranking in brackets:

Group A: Morocco (hosts, 59), Zambia (62), Senegal (83), DR Congo (102).

Group B: Nigeria (36), Tunisia (78), Algeria (84), Botswana (153).

Group C: South Africa (holders, 50), Ghana (66), Mali (81), Tanzania (145).