Dreamstar Ladies gaffer, Ayinla Rasheed minced no words in expressing his frustrations during his post match interview following their dramatic NWFL Championship opening 4-2 loss to Honey Badgers.
The U.J. Esuene Stadium did witness some intense football action after conclusion of the regular time of play. The second official lifted seven minutes of additional time which was confused for three by the centre referee, it sparked uproar from Dream Star Ladies bench and officials after ending the game abruptly.
The organizers did have a talk with both teams and officiating officials after the referee blew the final whistle, in no time, both teams returned to the pitch to play the remaining four minutes.
Read Also – NWFL Championship: “We Needed To Set Down A Marker” – Coach Nelly Speaks After Imo Strikers Big Win
The Lagos State team had initially came back from three goals down, scoring two to put themselves firmly in place for a memorable comeback but it wasn’t meant to be as they ended up conceding another goal in the dying stages of the game upon resumption.
“I’m waiting for the day that we will play and the referee would allow the game to be played free and fair. The penalty against us, it was so clear that the ball wasn’t handball, we accepted that and still played on”, Ayinla Rasheed explained during his pressers.
“For additional time, you showed us seven minutes and the fourth official said it was three minutes not adding the minutes the goalkeeper delayed the game due which was more than five minutes”.
“We then continued with the remaining four minutes added time that’s supposed to be played, we had another uncalled foul from behind which was waived. The referee wanted to make a decision but after seeing the advantage to the opponent, she didn’t which is so unfair”, he lamented.
“They took the ball, attacked us and scored”.
“It’s a good game overall from both sides overall but the little errors overshadowed everything”, he posited on his assessment of the game.
“We will correct our errors so hat we can come back good for the remaining games left in the competition”, he emphasized.
Up next is the last game of matchday one between Kwara Ladies and Fortress Ladies.
Leave a comment