By: Danito Nsubuga
The top of the table clash at the Borg El Arab Stadium in Alexandria between Egypt and Uganda will be officiated by controversial center referee Victor Miguel de Freitas Gomes a man who has been synonymous with Uganda on many occasions.
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Victor Miguel Gomes is a South African referee born in Johannesburg 37 years ago. He was voted South African referee of the year for the season 2012-13 and he received his FIFA badge in 2011.
Godfrey Walusimbi will have a torid time against Egypt’s Mohammed Salah who has been passed fit.
This will not be the first time for Miguel to associate with Uganda as he was the man in charge of the match between Uganda and Madagascar in the 2015 African Nations second round qualifier. He awarded a 12th minute penalty to the hosts in a match that ended 2-1 after Diego Hamis Kiiza pulling one back for Uganda.
On June 4th 2016 in the Francis Town Stadium, Victor Gomes oversaw Uganda’s all important away victory against Botswana in the qualifiers to the 2016 AFCON. Khalid Aucho and William Kizito Luwagga scored Uganda’s goals in a 2-1 win. The referee was also 4th official when Uganda fell to Senegal in Marrakesh courtesy of Sadio Mane’s goal.
He is famously remembered for controversially disallowing a neatly taken penalty by Baroka FC midfielder Richard Matloga citing encroachment on the side of opponents Golden Arrows.
These events happened in a PSL league match between Golden Arrows and Baroka FC and the score was standing at 3-2 when Miguel awarded the dubious penalty to Baroka FC. Television reviews and replays revealed that Gomes was wrong to disallow the goal and his decision was widely criticized across South Africa and many called for him to be scrapped of his refereeing licence.
Victor Miguel Gomes will be assisted by fellow countrymen Sandile Dilikane (assistant referee) and Christopher Harrison as the 4th official. They will also work alongside Eriterian linesman Barhe Tesfagiorghis as the 2nd assistant referee.