David GOMBE
Retired referee Ali Tomusange, the only Ugandan to officiate at the FIFA World Cup says Denis Omedi’s goal against URA FC was definitely offside.
Omedi netted the opener in Kitara’s 3-0 win over URA FC at Masindi Municipal Stadium.
While appearing on NBS Sport Inside Sports program, Tomusange revealed why Omedi’s opener shouldn’t have stood.
“Denis Omedi’s goal against URA FC should not have stood, he was definitely offside.” He was in an offside position but if the player (Kabon Living) who passed the ball to him had decided to score for himself then it was very okay because there would be no interference with play from Omedi.”Said Tomusange
Last week, Referees Manager Samuel Egesa defended the match officials for rewarding the goal asserting that Omedi was not offside.
Tomusange officiated four World Cup matches, including the quarterfinal match between South Korea and Spain.
In the Quarterfinal game, he is remembered for raising the flag for offside late in extra time with Spanish striker Fernando Morientes through to goal.
The Spaniard raced full length to vent his agonizing frustrations to the Ugandan official. Korea cruised to the Semifinal 5-3 on penalties after a goalless stalemate.
He also officiated at the Women AFCON and Men’s U20 FIFA World Cup in Nigeria, CAF U20 Afcon, Fifa Club World Cups in Brazil and Spain where he took charge of great sides like Manchester United and Real Madrid and 2000 AFCON Finals in Ghana/Nigeria and Sydney Olympics.