Al Masry coach Nabil Kouki expressed doubts over the penalty that handed Kaizer Chiefs a crucial advantage in their recent CAF Confederation Cup clash.
The South African side strengthened their bid for a quarter-final spot with a 2-1 home win over Al Masry at Peter Mokaba Stadium during Matchday 5.
Chiefs opened the scoring in the 39th minute through a Flavio Silva penalty, awarded after an Al Masry defender handled the ball in the box—a decision that sparked controversy.
Al Masry players argued that the defender’s arms were not deliberately outstretched, despite the ball striking his left arm.
Reflecting on the game, Kouki acknowledged his team’s concerns over the call.
“The match was extremely difficult, and we created many chances in the first half,” he wrote on Facebook.
“There is major doubt about the penalty awarded to Kaizer Chiefs. We managed to equalize in the second half through Dagmoum, and their second goal resulted from a defensive error. Despite the defeat, our chances of reaching the quarter-finals remain intact.”
Kouki also highlighted the strain on his players amid a congested schedule.
“The team has made a huge effort, especially with the succession of matches and the long travel. I appeal to the Egyptian Football Association to consider the circumstances teams face in African competitions, particularly at this stage. Fixture congestion is leading to a rise in injuries.”
He concluded by stressing the club’s priorities. “The Confederation Cup matches are our main focus right now, and we are working hard to make our fans proud.”
