Zimbabwe’s Mighty Warriors coach Shadreck Mlauzi says bad officiating stifles growth of African football following Zimbabwe’s controversial loss to Egypt in Cameroon on Tuesday.

Zimbabwe had a goal disallowed by Burundian referee Suavis Iratunga six minutes from time which could have earned the Mighty Warriors a point in the game. 

The incident came on the same day the Confederation of African Football (CAF) suspended Ghanaian referee Joseph Odartei Lamptey for dubiously awarding South Africa a penalty against Senegal a few weeks ago.

"I know my comments are going to get me into trouble with CAF but all the same, I must say it. We are yet to see video footage of replays of the goal, but we felt there was no offside, that’s one - two, I didn't see any infringement on the goalkeeper, so you really ask, why you go into matches where certain teams perhaps should win matches? 

“The competition really doesn’t become fair. At the end of the day it stagnates the growth of African football because honestly we cannot have this kind of officiating," said Mlauzi.

Zimbabwe found themselves at the back foot in the 83rd minute when Egypt scored. 

But an immediate response from Mighty Warriors former skipper Felistas Muzongondi barely a minute later was mysteriously disqualified. 

It was not clear whether the referee ruled out the goal for any infringement on the goalkeeper or offside.   

Mlauzi added that Zimbabwe were for a long time frustrated during the game as their opponents at any slightest provocation,  were falling down making it difficult since football is a contact game.   

However, the Zimbabwe coach gave Egypt credit for a tactical coordinated game compared to them.  

“I credit Egypt. I feel that tactically they were sent out to play a well-structured game as it is where. But for prolonged periods l felt we could break through but it couldn’t happen.            

“My guys suffered mental blocks maybe due to resilience that the Egyptians gave us. So, at the end of the day well done to Egypt for playing a tactical game," said Mlauzi. 

 The Mighty Warriors will meet Cameroon in their last group match on Friday.