Coach Marcel Koller Blames Referees for Al-Ahly’s 2–1 Defeat to Orlando Pirates
- Al-Ahly coach Marcel Koller wants VAR to be implemented in the CAF Champions League after their 2-1 loss to Orlando Pirates on Saturday, 18 January 2025
- Koller said the defending Champions League champions were denied a clear goal in their defeat in Cairo
- Local football fans reacted on social media to say that Al-Ahly always blames referees after a defeat while they remain divided over the decision
Swiss coach Marcel Koller was unhappy after Al-Ahly lost 2-1 to Orlando Pirates in the CAF Champions League and blamed referees for the defeat.
Koller felt Pirates benefitted from the referee's decision after a disallowed goal meant the Egyptian giants finished the group in second place.
Source: Getty Images
Following the defeat to Pirates, both teams qualified for the knockout stages, while Koller has called for implementing VAR technology in Africa's elite club competition.
Marcel Koller makes a plea to CAF bosses
Koller voiced his frustrations in the tweet below:
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According to iDiski Times, Koller said Percy Tau's former side should have been allowed a clear goal and feels VAR would benefit the competition.
Koller said:
"It is sad that we lost due to a refereeing error. Why does CAF not use video technology in the group stage? Is the African Champions League not the biggest tournament at the competitive level on the continent? We apologise to the referees because they did not see all the refereeing cases clearly and must be provided with assistance. CAF must reconsider the decision to exclude VAR from the group stage."
Pirates confirmed their victory in the tweet below:
Pirates top group of death
The Soweto giants' victory over Al-Ahly meant they topped a tough group, including Algerian side CR Belouizdad and Ivorian club Stade Abidjan.
Pirates rose to the top of the group after beating Belouizdad 2-1 on Saturday, 11 January, where former Cape Town City striker Khanyisa Mayo was warmly welcomed back to Mzansi.
Source: Twitter
Fans are divided over Koller's comments
Local football fans reacted on social media to voice opposing opinions about Koller's comments, with some agreeing with the Swiss coach while others said he should stop complaining.
Sifiso Sibisi says Pirates always benefit from fan decisions:
"Don't worry, coach, even here in South Africa, they win trophies like that."
James Meas wants a change:
"I concur with coach Marcel Köller. Up to now, the Patrice-led CAF administration has done a wonderful job in improving the structures financially. However, they can do much better as far as VAR is concerned. If the tournament wants to be named in the same breath as the UCL, VAR should be a permanent feature."
Obakeng Mogane Kgaje says Koller must stop complaining:
"Ahl Ahly has won so many Caf Champions League finals by robbing other teams, so let them taste their own medicine."
Chauke Asakundwi Provide noticed a pattern:
"When they lose, they blame referees."
Laki Matlou explained:
"It's quite clear that many of our football fans don't know the rules. The player who kicked and scored was initially coming from an offside position, and that's not an offence. Because he kicked the ball at the time, he was clear behind his teammate, who chest-trapped it for him. It was a huge error from officials, which should be a learning curve for them. Al Ahly has benefitted greatly from referees, and they deserve something like that anyway."
Orlando Pirates consider loan bids for R16 million rated attacker
As Briefly News reported, Orlando Pirates are considering loan bids for attacker Kairm Kimvuidi in the January transfer window.
The club highly rates the 22-year-old attacker, but they are considering sending him out on loan to give the Congolese player more game time.
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Source: Briefly News
