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DJIBOUTI 2ND GOAL AUTHENTIC

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MBABANE – Reports challenging the authenticity of Djibouti’s second goal in the 2-1 win over Sihlangu are misleading.


On social media, especially Facebook, there were suggestions that the hosts’ second goal scored from a rebound in the FIFA World Cup Qualifier on Wednesday should have not stood. 


Goalkeeper Sandanezwe Mathabela had managed to stop the initial attempt from the penalty spot only to be beaten by Abdi Idleh Hamza from the rebound in the 74th minute.


The general belief on social media was that the goal should have not been allowed in conformity with the new Laws of the Game, which came into effect on June 1 this year.  One user on Facebook had cited a proposal that was eventually not approved as the justification for challenging the goal. 

penalty is saved


“Play will stop for a restart if a penalty is saved or hits the post, meaning there will be no chance to follow up and score from rebounds,” read a proposal that was eventually not approved in June.
The International Football Association Board (IFAB), during their annual general meeting early this year, never approved the said changes on Law 14 regarding penalty kicks.


The IFAB, it was gathered, did think about it, but dropped the idea back in November last year.
“Contrary to some incorrect reports in the media related to the penalty kick procedure (Law 14), the ball will remain in play in the event of a penalty kick rebounding from the goalkeeper, crossbar or goalposts,” read a statement from IFAB when the issue was in the spotlight early this year.


A top local referee, on condition of anonymity, also confirmed that the proposed changes regarding rebounds were not approved.
One penalty rule that has changed affects goalkeepers.
They now only need to have one foot on the line when the penalty kick is taken.


full force


Another law that is already in full force is about substitutes. Substitutes can leave the pitch at the nearest touchline rather than needing to exit at the halfway line. This is meant to eradicate time-wasting.


Attacking players, on the other hand, must be one metre from a defensive wall at set-pieces.
Meanwhile, Sihlangu are back home after the setback in Djibouti. They need to pick up the pieces ahead of the return match to be played at Mavuso Sports Centre this coming Tuesday.


An unanswered goal will be enough to earn Kostadin Papic’s men a spot in the group stages of the qualifiers after scoring an away goal, courtesy of Siboniso Mamba.

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