Football

Uganda Cup: NEC vs Vipers Match Officials deserve praise for Watambala incident

Published

6 months ago

April 6, 2026

The death and resurrection of Christ gifted Ugandan football lovers a compelling Uganda Cup Quarterfinal clash between defending champions Vipers SC and NEC FC.

At the time the fixture was announced, many anticipated a high-octane encounter between two of the most in-form sides, expected to deliver fireworks and send fans into the Easter weekend in high spirits. However, the match failed to live up to that billing.

Both regulation time and extra time produced little in terms of clear-cut excitement, ultimately leading to a penalty shootout, as provided for under Law 10 of the Laws of the Game and the competition regulations.

The defining moment of the match arose during the penalty shootout. Vipers SC’s Abdul Karim Watambala accidentally slipped while striking his penalty, resulting in an accidental double contact with the ball. The ball entered the goal, but the match referee, FIFA referee Lucky Razake Kasalirwe, assisted by FIFA Assistant Referee Hakim Mulindwa, Assistant Referee Ivan Lubwama (National Elite Referee), and Fourth Official Ronald Kikabi, correctly ordered a retake.

This decision sparked widespread debate among fans, many of whom questioned its correctness. However, a proper reading of the Laws of the Game as amended by IFAB for the 2025/2026 season provides clear guidance.

If a player taking a penalty kick accidentally touches the ball twice and the ball enters the goal, the kick is retaken. If the ball does not enter the goal, it is not retaken and play is restarted with an indirect free kick to the opposing team (or recorded as a miss in kicks from the penalty mark). A deliberate double touch is always penalized with an indirect free kick and the kick is not retaken.

IFAB

This clarification was introduced in the 2025/2026 edition of the Laws to uphold fairness. It recognises that accidental actions such as slipping should not unjustly disadvantage a player, while still maintaining firm sanctions against deliberate attempts to gain an unfair advantage. In this instance, Watambala’s action was clearly accidental, and therefore, the decision to order a retake was fully in line with the law.

Another point of contention among supporters concerned the choice of the goal used for the shootout. Some argued that the selected end disadvantaged their team. However, the Laws are equally explicit on this matter.

If the scores are level at the end of the match and competition rules require a winner, the referee conducts a coin toss to decide which goal will be used for the kicks and which team will take the first kick. A second coin toss is then made, and the team that wins the toss chooses whether to take the first or second kick.

IFAB

This procedure, formally reinforced in 2017, was designed to enhance neutrality, eliminate external influences, and ensure fairness in determining the outcome of matches decided by kicks from the penalty mark.

In conclusion, the officiating team demonstrated commendable competence and adherence to the Laws of the Game. Fresh from their recent international engagements, referees Lucky Razake Kasalirwe and Hakim Mulindwa, Ivan Lubwama, and Ronald Kikabi deserve praise for correctly interpreting and applying the laws under pressure.

The post Uganda Cup: NEC vs Vipers Match Officials deserve praise for Watambala incident appeared first on Kawowo Sports.

Football

Odegbami: Nigerian football has hit rock bottom

Published

24 hours ago

September 25, 2026

Kenny Malone

Nigerian football has reached its “worst time” in history, according to former Super Eagles captain Segun Odegbami, who has called for fundamental changes across the country’s football system.

Odegbami made the remarks in an interview with BBC Sport Africa, where he highlighted concerns ranging from the national teams and domestic league to grassroots development, administration and football infrastructure.

His assessment comes as the Super Eagles prepare to begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign against Madagascar in Uyo.

Nigerian football crisis

Odegbami believes the challenges facing Nigerian football extend beyond the recent struggles of the Super Eagles and reflect wider problems within the country’s football structure.

Nigeria missed out on the 2022 and 2026 FIFA World Cups, while the country’s women’s and age-grade national teams, as well as clubs competing in continental competitions, have also experienced setbacks in recent years.

“It has never been this bad in our entire history,” Odegbami told BBC Sport Africa.

The former striker, who was part of Nigeria’s 1980 Africa Cup of Nations-winning team, also expressed concern about the financial health of the domestic game.

“Our local league is not bringing in money. Something is definitely wrong,” he said.

Nigerian football and leadership

Odegbami also questioned the leadership and administration of Nigerian football, arguing that the problems cannot be addressed simply by changing individuals in positions of authority.

His comments come amid significant developments within the Nigeria Football Federation, with the federation facing discussions over governance and proposed reforms involving the National Sports Commission, FIFA and CAF.

The NFF election scheduled for September 27 has also been suspended as the reform process continues.

For Odegbami, the country needs a football structure capable of addressing problems across every level of the game.

“The pilots are not guiding us well,” he said.

Nigerian football needs a clear pathway

Another major concern raised by Odegbami is the lack of a consistent long-term philosophy for developing Nigerian football.

He questioned the country’s approach to coaching, talent identification and player development, while also pointing to the weakening link between grassroots football, academies, clubs and the national teams.

According to the former international, Nigeria must rebuild the pathway through which young players are identified, developed and eventually integrated into professional football.

That pathway has historically played a major role in producing players who have gone on to make significant contributions to Nigerian and international football.

Nigerian football and fading infrastructure

Odegbami also drew attention to the deterioration of football infrastructure across the country.

He referenced the National Stadium in Lagos, the former Liberty Stadium in Ibadan, Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna and UJ Esuene Stadium in Calabar as venues that once played important roles in Nigerian football.

He described the damage to the country’s football heritage as “irreparable”.

While the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo has become a regular home venue for the Super Eagles, Odegbami argued that Nigeria once had a wider network of facilities that played a more significant role in the development and promotion of the game.

Nigerian football at a crossroads

The former Super Eagles captain’s comments come at a significant period for Nigerian football, with the national team beginning another AFCON qualifying campaign while discussions over reforms to the administration and development of the sport continue.

Odegbami believes the challenge extends beyond whether the Super Eagles qualify for another major tournament.

He believes Nigeria needs to rebuild the entire football ecosystem, from grassroots development and academies to professional clubs, national teams, administration and infrastructure.

The post Odegbami: Nigerian football has hit rock bottom appeared first on Made In Africa Sport.

Football

AFCON 2027 PAMOJA QUALIFIERS: Wissa, Mbemba on target as DR Congo see off Equatorial Guinea

Published

24 hours ago

September 25, 2026

Logan Mclaughlin

Chancel Mbemba and Yoane Wissa were on target as Democratic Repubic of Congo made a comfortable start to the 2027 AFCON qualification journey.

The Leopards cruised to a 2-0 win against Equatorial Guinea in the game played on Thursday at Stade des Martyrs in Kinshasa.

Captain Mbemba fired DR Congo into an early lead, jumping highest to node home Arthur Masuaku’s delivery from a corner kick.

The visitors looked for a response and had opportunities as the first half progressed, but DR Congo maintained their advantage into the break.

In the 72nd minute, Wan Bissaka made a dashing move inside before finding Wissa who finished from close range to double the hosts advantage.

DR Congo now lead Group E and will face Zimbabwe on Monday next week. Equatorial Guinea on the other hand will seek redemption against Sierra Leone at home.

The post AFCON 2027 PAMOJA QUALIFIERS: Wissa, Mbemba on target as DR Congo see off Equatorial Guinea appeared first on Kawowo Sports.

Football

Sudan beat Tanzania to lift 2026 CECAFA U-20 trophy

Published

24 hours ago

September 25, 2026

Kenny Malone

2026 CECAFA U-20 (AFCON U-20 Qualifiers)

Gold medal match: Sudan 1 (4) – 1 (3) Tanzania
Bronze medal match: Uganda 2-0 Burundi

Sudan are the champions of the 2026 CECAFA U-20 championship.

A tense 4-3 post match penalty victory over hosts Tanzania spurred Sudan to their first triumph in this age group competition.

Normal time of the final played at the Uhuru stadium in Dar-es-salaam had ended goal-less before the extra 30 minutes were played.

Omer Hamd headed home Sudan ahead in the 93rd minute.

Abdulnassir Abdallah equalized after 112 minutes to send the game into shoot-outs.

Sudan held their nerves to win the dramatic shoot-out 4-3 and lift the trophy with gold medals.

Sudan’s captain Mazin Fadul Albahli Taowr in action against Tanzania’s Shomvi Rajabu (Left)

Tanzania, before their home fans settled for silver. Both countries will represent the CECAFA zone at next year’s AFCON U-20 finals in Ghana.

Meanwhile, Uganda Hippos finished third to take home bronze.

Uganda overcame Burundi 2-0 in the third-place play-off duel.

A goal in each half from Derrick Ssozi and super substitute Ashraf Kyakuwa spurred the Hippos who are coached by Ghanaian Laryea Kingston to the much desired victory before a handful of fans.

The Uganda delegation returns home on Friday afternoon.

Sudan U-20 and Sudan’s Obai Abdalla (shirt 23) beats Tanzania’s Juma Sagwe during the CECAFA U-20 final at Uhuru stadium, Dar-es-salaam

Team Line Ups:

Sudan XI: Mustafa Mohamed Elgadal Fahoud (G.K), Osama Ameen Abdalla Manzal, Humaida Ahmed Suliman Gumaa, Monzeer Abdo Khmies Tiya, Mutaz Elfaki Elnour Wali, Samaan Amin Alfeil Koda, Rudwan Yahya Mohamed Ishag, Nagmeldin Abdelrahim Teya Toto, Mazin Fadul Albahli Taowr (Captain), Wail Galal Omer Alnour, Obai Abdalla

Subs: Mohamed Abbas Mohamed Abdalla (G.K), Mohamed Dalmugtaba Yagoub Mahmoud Habeeb, Faiz Ahmed Elseed Elfatih, Ibrahim Samani Ibrahim Anglo, Monzer Sarer, Omer Hamd Ghanim Ahmed, Osman Abaker Ismail Alshaikh, Waheed Shandi Somi Elbadri, Mohamed Del Mojtaba Musab Elbadawee

Head coach: Salaheldin Ahmed Nuoreldin Ahmed (Sudan)

Tanzania XI: Shabani Bakari (G.K), Ismail Ally, Abdallah Mnumba, Shomvi Rajabu, Arafat Masoud (Captain), Kelvin Revokatus, Ahmad Ahmad, Jofrey Malecha, Juma Sagwe, Juma Abushiri, Suleiman Suleiman

Subs: Edison Matete (G.K), Roony Gerry, Abubakar Othman, Faraji Kayanda, Bashiri Salum Kibaila, Farid Mzalendo, Machela Machela, Joseph Jr. Joseph, Abdulnasser Abdallah

Head coach: Mario Rivera Campesino (Spain)

Match officials: