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 at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi, 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.
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.
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.
You can watch the incident in the video player above
Matildas great Grace Gill was also shocked commentating on the match for Paramount Plus.
Gill said Foord was “understandably disappointed”.
“Confusion still reigns. The Matildas are asking the referee why the goal wasn’t allowed,” she said.
“It’s still a mystery as it stands in what was a really well taken finished.
“It’s bemusing. I’m really not quite sure how to explain that one.”
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.
Foord continued to chase the referee as play continued, arguing her case before she was eventually shown a yellow card several minutes later as the captain continued to argue.
Cameras initially appeared to show Mulugeta telling Foord she believed the ball went out and then into the net.
Unfortunately for Foord, her protests crossed the line and a yellow card was eventually flashed.
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.
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 heartbreaking 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.
