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Terraces were packed to full capacity and the atmosphere was electric!
No doubt, the 2023 Absa Cup finals will go into history books, as the Video Assistant Referee ( VAR) was used for the first time in Zambia at the Woodlands stadium .
The presence of the Head of state, President Hakainde Hichilema marked yet another football milestone in the hosting of the only Cup in the country.
Indeed, these were proud moments as Zambia became the first Southern African country and third in Africa to use VAR in the finals of the ABSA cup, supervised by retired referee Janny Sikazwe .
Prior to kick off, Sikazwe and retired referee Victor Gomez took time to explain the technology to the sports minister, Elvis Nkandu, FAZ president Andrew Kamanga and other onlookers that had a chance to attend the exhibition .
What made it more classy is that match officials for the game included Egyptians center referee Amin Omer, first assistant Mahamoud Abouelregal, second assistant Ahmed Tara, fourth official Mohmoud Nagy while Assistant referee Diana Chikotesha straight from officiating the finals at the U20 AFCON went straight to the VAR room including Ghanaian Daniel Lareyea .
While all this was interesting, Forest Rangers striker Moro Amenu became the first player in Zambian football to have his goal disallowed through VAR intervention. The goal was disallowed for a foul on Sydney Kasanda in the build up to the goal.
Patson Daka was first player to have his goal disallowed for offside by VAR at U20 World Cup in game against Italy
The 10,000 capacity stadium was full to the rafters with soccer fans in the different regalia to support their respective teams.
Most fans were clad in MUZA regalia in support of the team of the moment that would be representing the country in the confederation Cup .
President Hichilema arrived at the stadium, 20 minutes before kick off in his usual jovial mood waving at the crowds to their amusement as they chanted slogans of praise ‘ Bally Wakulekafye’.
The President went straight on the pitch accompanied by Nkandu, ABSA Managing Director Muzinga Melu , Kamanga and proceeded to great players and technical benches before proceeding to the VIP to enjoy the game .
With the game initially scheduled for Heroes Stadium , Woodlands stadium could not meet the demands of the fans that thronged the stadium with a number being turned back at the gate to their displeasure.
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