Cries for VAR in the African 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers

Zimbabwe national team captain Marshall Munetsi questioned the absence of VAR after several questionable decisions in their game against Lesotho on Friday saw them lose 2-0 at Orlando Stadium.

The Warriors had two penalty shouts waved away by referee Thulani Sibandze of Eswatini, among other decisions, and Munetsi says this needs to be looked at.

"I think that's why we need VAR, especially in African football, because even to talk to the referee is a difficult thing – if you ask him why he didn't give it, he doesn't explain to you, and the next thing he gives you a yellow card," said Munetsi.

"So for us it's difficult because we always cry about these situations, but it's also unfortunate when it's on our side, and we just have to try and do much better.

"There are situations that happen in football, and we can't change that, but sometimes I think the referees also need to come in a situation like this where you guys can also ask them about those situations."

The use of VAR was a resounding success at the 2023 African Cup of Nations in Côte D’Ivoire earlier this year, making its absence in the World Cup qualifiers all the more unsettling.

After Bafana’s 1-1 draw with Nigeria in Uyo on Friday evening, coach Hugo Broos was candid in his response when asked about the absence of VAR.

 "Sometimes, or maybe for these kinds of games, I think we need VAR – it's too important. We saw it at AFCON and it was a good thing because there were some decisions that you got to see on VAR whether it was right or not right," said Broos.

"We are playing qualifiers for the World Cup, and I think in such a competition, and for such important games, we need VAR. 

"I think it's a question of money, I don't know. I think it's expensive, and I know it from in my country [Belgium] too, where every game has VAR, but it's important because it can be that one goal that decides if you go to the World Cup or not."

READ: Vast majority of Premier League clubs vote to keep VAR next season