The reason why Australia was denied a third goal against Kenya may prove to be one of football’s great mysteries.
In their FIFA Series contest, the Matildas were left utterly perplexed when Caitlin Foord had the ball in the back of the net in the 61st minute, only for it to be chalked off.
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Foord got on the end of Amy Sayer’s fizzed pass from the right flank having initially been played in by Clare Wheeler.
But, just as Foord rejoiced with her Matildas teammates, their delight was short-lived.
Initially it seemed as if Sayer might have been offside at the time of Wheeler’s pass.
Why was Caitlin Foord’s goal disallowed?
Yet referee Yordanos Mulugeta declared the ball had entered from the side netting before nestling in the back of the net, therefore ruling out the goal.
Mulugeta’s obscene call of goal kick was met, quite rightly, by surprise from the Matildas players who quickly surrounded her and asked for justification.
However, Mulugeta was not willing to play ball and waved away the Aussies’ justified protests.
Play quickly resumed, but Matildas skipper Alanna Kennedy, star striker Sam Kerr and Foord continued to debate with Mulugeta over her puzzling verdict once the ball was next out of play.
Cameras then appeared to show Mulugeta telling Foord she believed the ball went out and then into the net.
Unfortunately for Foord, her valid protests eventually earned her a yellow card.
Matildas boss Joe Montemurro also aired his grievances with Mulugeta at full time, although he didn’t take the Sonia Bompastor approach of showing video evidence to prove her case during a post-match interview.
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Foord fiasco doesn’t derail Tillies
Luckily for the Matildas, Foord’s disallowed goal had no bearing on the final result as the Aussies prevailed 2-0 at the Nyayo National Stadium.
Goals from Kerr and Wheeler did the business for Montemurro’s side to round out a successful FIFA Series.
Victory over Kenya followed the Matildas’ 5-0 thrashing of Malawi on April 11.
The back-to-back wins in Kenya was a much-needed boost for the Aussies following their heart-breaking Women’s Asian Cup final loss to Japan.
Maika Hamano’s first-half strike did the difference for Japan, ensuring Australia’s wait for their first major trophy since 2010 would continue.
