Omala’s last two goals against AFC Leopards and Tusker respectively were allowed to stand despite being netted from offside positions.
On Sunday afternoon, Benson Omala scored the all-important goal as Gor Mahia downed Tusker FC in a high-stakes clash played at the Kasarani Stadium.
Although it won Gor Mahia a crucial three points, it has sparked plenty of heated debate amongst pundits, the media and fans alike.
Patrick Sibomana sent a dangerous left-footed cross from the left flank into the area, before the 22-year-old slotted it home to make it his seventh league goal of the campaign, putting him comfortably at the top of the charts.
However, he was clearly in an offside position at the time he headed the ball, leaving people puzzled as to how it was legally allowed to stand.
10:30 - 23.10.2023
FKFPL Omala’s offside goal, Trucha's stuttering start at AFC Leopards and why can't Shabana stop conceding late?
Where will AFC Leopards get a win from? Why can’t Shabana prevent conceding late equalizers and should Omala’s goal have been allowed to stand?
However, what remains puzzling is the fact that the Tusker players did not even appeal for offside, assuming that it was onside.
Mike Kibwage should have smelled the danger of Omala who was timing to make a run behind him, but he was well offside even when he was making the run to prepare to position himself for the goal.
In the screenshots below, the interesting thing is how the linesman positions himself during the build up to the goal.
By the time the ball is being whipped in, the linesman has not ran quickly enough to be in line with Omala, so he does not flag it for offside despite it being clear.
The goal should obviously have been ruled off had there been Video Assistant Referee (VAR) to intervene.
13:36 - 19.10.2023
Harambee Stars legend Dennis Oliech makes surprising take on Michael Olunga and rising star Benson Omala
Dennis Oliench has revealed why Harambee Stars fans should cut Michael Olunga some slack whilst giving his honest opinion on Benson Omala.
Now, let us look at his second goal during the Mashemeji Derby two weeks ago.
Sibomana dribbles his way through the Leopards backline before cutting it back for Omala, but the striker appears offside clearly yet again, but the assistant referee, who is actually in line with the striker at the point he makes contact with the ball, refuses to rule it out.
The debate about Omala's controversial goal is sure to continue in workplaces, households, and other media houses, but in conclusion, the level of officiating needs to improve.
08:41 - 16.09.2023
FOOTBALL Why Michael Olunga should not be judged on goals alone despite Harambee Stars drought
Michael Olunga has faced criticism from a section of Kenyan fans over his lack of goals for Harambee Stars but he brings much more to the side