Zambia is the first sub-Saharan nation after Egypt and Morocco to use video-assistant-referee, VAR technology in an official match.
Today’s Absa Cup final included VAR and was played in the 7,000-seater Woodlands stadium between FC MUZA and eventual champions, Forest Rangers.
The match was sure to be exciting because both sides were competing for the top prize of K700,000 (US$36,318.81).
The is a huge achievement for the football association because Zambia is now one of the few nations on the continent to do so.
Absa cup final gets foreign refs
This breakthrough is proof of the striking advancements made within the nation’s officiating fraternity.
Retired FIFA referee Janny Sikazwe who had an illustrious career is among the founding officials for VAR. The VAR pilot project has been certified by CAF and FIFA.
READ ALSO: Forest Rangers win first-ever ABSA cup
The encounter saw North and West Africans officiate the much-anticipated affair. Amin Omer from Egypt took up center referee responsibilities. Mahamoud Aboueleregal, Ahmed Hassam Tata and Mohmoud Nagy are among the other officials.
What is VAR technology?
Video assistant referee-VAR- technology was first introduced to the world of football during the 2018 FIFA World cup in Russia.
The primary motivation for its development was the ability to use video evidence, and microphone communication systems to minimize referee judgment and call-making errors.
Morocco, became the first African country to use VAR in domestic match in 2019, with Egypt following suit in 2020.
It is now used in an increasing number of leagues and competitions worldwide, including the UEFA Champions League Tournament, all of FIFA’s major events.
