Ref won match for Nigeria — Bishaw

Ethiopia coach Sewnet Bishaw has blamed the referee for his country’s loss to Nigeria in the Brazil 2014 qualifying match.

He said that even though the Eagles played well the attitude of the referee changed the course of the match.

Ethiopia defender Aynalem Hailu handled the ball in the goal area as he tried to control the ball thus gifting Nigeria a chance to take the lead through a coolly taken penalty by Victor Moses in the first half.

He said, “I respect Keshi; he has done a good job organising this team. But the ref cheated us. We had two penalties denied us. And then he awarded one wrong one to Nigeria.

“That penalty to Nigeria affected the tide.”

Keshi said it was wrong for the Ethiopian coach to suggest as such.

“That’s his opinion. If it was the referee that made them lose in Calabar what about the one in Addis Ababa? We beat them there also. I don’t think he has spoken wisely.”