Esteghlal FC head coach Pitso Mosimane has voiced his frustration over controversial refereeing decisions following his side’s dramatic 2-2 draw against Al-Ahli in the AFC Champions League. The match, played in Saudi Arabia, saw Esteghlal concede two penalties, both converted by Ivan Toney, and finish the game with ten men after a red card.
The South African tactician did not hold back when discussing the officiating, particularly the second penalty awarded to Al-Ahli, which Mosimane felt was unjust.
“I don’t want to talk about the referee, but playing ten against eleven here [in Saudi Arabia] is not easy, especially with two penalties against us,” Mosimane said, clearly exasperated.
He further criticized the official for failing to consult VAR during the second penalty decision, suggesting that a review could have changed the outcome.
Despite his dissatisfaction, Mosimane maintained a diplomatic tone, acknowledging the referee’s professionalism while expressing hope that the decisions would be revisited.
“I respect the referee, but I think it’s important to reflect on these decisions, especially in crucial matches like this,” he added.
The match started promisingly for Esteghlal, who managed to score twice and looked set to claim a vital away victory.
However, Toney’s clinical penalty-taking neutralized their advantage, and the red card compounded their woes, leaving Mosimane’s team to battle through the remainder of the game with a numerical disadvantage.
The draw leaves Esteghlal in a precarious position in their AFC Champions League campaign.
The team currently sits eighth in the domestic Persian Gulf League, with just five points from their opening six matches.
While their performances have shown flashes of quality, the recent results underline the challenges Mosimane faces in his quest to restore Esteghlal’s dominance on both domestic and continental fronts.
Esteghlal will now shift focus to their upcoming Persian Gulf League match against Foolad.
With tensions running high following the Al-Ahli clash, the team will aim to regroup and secure a much-needed victory to regain momentum.
Mosimane’s frustration highlights the broader challenges faced by teams competing in high-stakes matches under contentious circumstances, where refereeing decisions can significantly influence the outcome.
For Esteghlal, overcoming such setbacks will be crucial as they strive to turn their season around.
