Kenyan football fans are still fuming after Ryan Ogam’s goal against Madagascar at CHAN 2024 was disallowed, only to see Manchester United benefit from a similar situation in their Premier League clash with Fulham. The incident has sparked debate on officiating standards, with many pointing to inconsistencies between the two decisions.
Why was Kenya’s goal against Madagascar disallowed?
During the tense quarter-final clash, Ryan Ogam thought he had doubled Harambee Stars’ tally after heading home from close range. However, the celebrations were cut short when the referee penalised Ben Stanley for a slight push on a Madagascar defender in the buildup. Stanley’s header had set up Ogam, but the decision to call the foul left many Kenyans aggrieved. Shortly afterward, Madagascar equalised, and the game eventually went to penalties, where Kenya lost after missing two spot-kicks.
What happened during Manchester United vs Fulham?
In the Premier League, just days later, controversy erupted when Manchester United scored from a corner involving Leny Yoro and Fulham’s Calvin Bassey. Yoro appeared to shove Bassey on the back before heading the ball, which then deflected off Rodrigo Muniz for an own goal. Despite visible contact, VAR did not intervene, and the goal stood. The decision reignited frustrations among Kenyan fans, who felt Ogam’s goal should also have counted.
Prominent sports journalist Eric Njiru highlighted the inconsistency, stating, “Yoro pushed Bassey if we are to go by the ref who officiated Kenya v Madagascar.” Kevin Teya echoed the same sentiment, saying, “Lenny Yoro gets away with a push that had Ryan Ogam’s goal disallowed.”
Why was Manchester United’s goal allowed to stand?
According to BBC Sport, referee Chris Kavanagh judged that Yoro’s push did not involve enough force to warrant a foul, despite clear replays showing both hands on Bassey’s back. Bassey himself disagreed, telling BBC MOTD, “For me, it is clear. He has got two hands in the back, and he (Yoro) has created an advantage for himself. If there is no contact, I get up there and fight with him. He has clearly stopped me from getting to the ball. For me, it should clearly be a foul.”
CAF rules make it impossible for Kenya to appeal against the referee’s decision, as officiating calls remain final. Madagascar advanced to face Sudan, while Harambee Stars were left ruing what could have been a historic CHAN run on home soil.
By Yockshard Enyendi
