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In the recent StarTimes Uganda Premier League tie between KCCAFC and Maroons, the home side suffered a 2-1 loss, with two significant, result-changing decisions sparking debates.
In the recent StarTimes Uganda Premier League Nakawa derby between KCCAFC and Maroons, the home side suffered a 2-1 loss, with two significant, result-changing decisions sparking debates.
The handball incident
The first moment of contention occurred in the 69th minute. FIFA's second assistant flagged a handball by Maroons' defender, Patrick Bayiga. This decision was met with vehement protests from Maroons' players.
Their disagreement with the match official, referee Shamirah Nabadda, culminated in Bayiga receiving a yellow card for dissent.
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Despite the controversy, KCCA FC's Usmar Araft had the chance to capitalize from the penalty spot but failed to convert.
The decisive goal with a twist
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The most talked-about highlight came just 11 minutes from full time. During a free kick for Maroons, what initially appeared to be a legitimate goal later raised eyebrows upon review.
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The replay showed that Bayiga, who had managed to get a touch with his head setting up an assist for Fred Amaku, was in an offside position before the ball was played to him.
It's important to note that any part of the body, barring the hands, can be considered when judging an offside, as goals can be scored by any part of the body.
Further examination of the same incident revealed another controversy. After Bayiga headed the ball towards the goal, KCCAFC's goalkeeper deflected it, only for it to strike Bayiga's hand, which subsequently set up Amaku for what would be the winning goal.
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12:57 - 04.10.2023
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The Portuguese, with frustration and disappointment visibly engulfed all over him, wandered around the MTN Omondi Stadium pitch, from one end to another, seemingly reflecting on the defeat and, perhaps, a possible way forward.
The International Football Association Board (IFAB) Law 12 clearly states concerning handball
It's an offence if a player scores in the opponent’s goal directly from their hand/arm, even if accidental, including by the goalkeeper. Immediately after the ball has touched their hand/arm, even if accidental.
The latter perfectly describes the sequence in question, as observed in match highlights. Bayiga's accidental handball directly and immediately led to a goal-scoring opportunity.
These two pivotal decisions will undoubtedly be the topic of many discussions, emphasizing the intricate nature of football and the challenges officials face in real-time decision-making.
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