Molefi Ntseki slams VAR after Bafana Bafana CHAN elimination | OneFootball

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Ntseki blasts VAR after South Africa controversial exit

Photo: SAFA

South African national team head coach Molefi Ntseki has voiced his displeasure with the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), following his team’s controversial elimination from the African Nations Championship (CHAN).

Bafana Bafana were sent packing out of the tournament after playing out to a 3-3 draw with co-hosts Uganda in Kampala on Monday, despite retaining a healthy two-goal cushion until the 88th minute of the match.

Unattached Ramahlwe Mphahlele, Thabiso Kutumela and Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo, who was recently announced as a new Marumo Gallants player, scored the goals for Ntseki’s side. However, the Uganda Cranes overturned the deficit through late penalties, one awarded by VAR at the death.

While his charges suffered a dramatic exit, the former Kaizer Chiefs mentor heaped praise on his troops for how they executed the game plan, stating that the type of goals his team scored is proof that they did thorough preparations.

“I think tactically we did what we needed to do, I think the display in the first and second half, the type of goals we scored were basically in relation to how we analyzed and how we planned for this game,” said Ntseki.

Despite being content with how his troops applied themselves, Ntseki took issue with the VAR, suggesting that Bafana’s downfall was down to the technology as he refrained from delving deep into the officiating matters.

“Yes, we scored three goals and then for whatever reason I don’t want to get involved in, they managed to get the two penalties,” Ntseki added.

“The VAR at times gives advantage to the other team. So, if ever you’re called in to look at the VAR, then it gives advantage to the other team, then we are disadvantaged as South Africa. So, we respect the decision by the VAR.