Mikel Obi’s goal was offside, referee robbed us – Algeria coach

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Mikel Obi’s goal was offside, referee robbed us – Algeria coach

Head coach of the Algerian national team, Georges Leekens, has claimed they were robbed by Gambian referee, Bakary Gassama, when they lost 3-1 to Nigeria in a 2018 World Cup qualifier last Saturday.

Victor Moses scored twice for the Super Eagles, while John Mikel Obi also got on the scoresheet. Nabir Bentaleb scored the consolation goal for the Desert Foxes.

The result leaves Algeria with a long way to Russia, as they are bottom of the group with only one point.

Leekens is adamant it would have been different, if Gassama ruled out Mikel Obi’s goal which made it 2-0.

“Nigeria’s second goal is not valid. There was indeed an offside position,” the 67-year-old former Belgium manager, was quoted as saying by Algerian newspaper Le Buteur on Sunday.

“The goal somewhat disorganised my players, especially before the break. If the score had remained 1-0, we would have returned in the second half.”

He also expressed disappointment in his team’s failure to convert chances that came their way.

“When you play at this level, you do not allow yourself to miss many good opportunities in front of goal. We missed no fewer than four chances. In a match like this and against an opponent like Nigeria, it was necessary to have a better efficiency,” he added.

Leekens, however, praised the quality in the Nigerian squad.

He added: “Let us also not forget that we played a quality Nigerian team. We found it difficult against them. This is what explains the result.”