Al Masry coach Nabil Kouki has spoken out on the controversial penalty decision during their CAF Confederation Cup encounter against Kaizer Chiefs at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Chiefs secured a vital 2-1 victory over Al Masry on Sunday, a result that sees them leapfrog their Egyptian rivals to claim the top spot in Group D.
Now sitting comfortably with 10 points after five matches, the Soweto giants hold a two-point cushion over second-placed Zamalek. They head into their final group stage clash in Cairo needing just a single point to mathematically guarantee their place in the knockout rounds.
Flavio Silva broke the deadlock for Amakhosi in Polokwane, showing nerves of steel to convert from the penalty spot in the 39th minute. The breakthrough followed a hotly-disputed handball call against Al Masry captain Ahmed Mansour, who was adjudged to have blocked Glody Lilepo’s goalbound effort with his arm. Despite the visitors’ vehement protests, Silva kept his composure to beat goalkeeper Mahmoud Hamdy and ignite the Peter Mokaba Stadium.
However, in the 57th minute, Abderrahim Deghmoum pulled Al Masry back into the contest with a composed equaliser.
The joy for the visitors was short-lived as Aden McCarthy struck the winner just three minutes after Al Masry’s goal, securing maximum points for the Soweto giants.
WHAT AL MASRY COACH NABIL KOUKI SAID ABOUT THE PENALTY AWARDED TO KAIZER CHIEFS
Kouki refused to lay the blame entirely at the match official, though he did suggest the “handball” was debatable. However, the Al Masry coach was gracious in defeat, repeatedly praising the home side’s performance.
“Well, I cannot say the referee has full responsibility for the penalty, but Kaizer Chiefs had a good game,” said Kouki.
“A penalty is a big decision to make. I saw a picture of my player with his hands behind his back. However, I can’t say that the referee took the game away from us. I can say Kaizer Chiefs played a good game. Kaizer Chiefs played a good game.”
With only one match remaining in the group stages, Chiefs are now the favourites to advance as group winners.
Amakhosi will play their final group stage game against another Egyptian club, Zamalek SC, away from home on Sunday, 15 February 2026.
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