Umaru Fofana, a seasoned journalist and senior reporter at BBC, expressed his disappointment and shame over the absence of Africa zone 2026 World Cup Qualifier matches on SuperSport and DSTV, pointing fingers at CAF and FIFA.

Fofana emphasized the inadequacy, stating, “It’s a shame on CAF/FIFA that we can’t get to see on SuperSport/DSTV the 2026 World Cup qualifiers for Africa.” This absence of televised coverage seems to have stirred frustration among fans and journalists alike, leaving them without the convenience of following the matches on popular sports broadcasting networks.

To witness Sierra Leone’s home fixture against Egypt, Fofana went to extreme lengths, traveling all the way to Liberia, shedding light on the extent of the inconvenience caused by the lack of broadcasting on DSTV. His journey raises questions about accessibility and the need for comprehensive coverage of such crucial sporting events.

Fofana didn’t stop at expressing his disappointment; he brought attention to the absence of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology in the matches. He argued, “It’s an even bigger shame that no VAR is deployed in our matches.” Fofana speculated that if VAR were in use, crucial decisions might have been altered, including penalty awards, rescinding red cards, and recognizing goals that may have gone unnoticed.

Detailing the potential impact of VAR, Fofana suggested that its implementation could have influenced the outcome of Sierra Leone’s match against Egypt. He asserted, “Sierra Leone would not have lost that match yesterday, and I would have saved some money by watching it on a more accessible TV channel instead of going to Monrovia to do so.”

Fofana concluded with a pointed question, questioning the treatment of Africans by CAF/FIFA, stating, “Why are Africans treated so disrespectfully by CAF/FIFA!?” His remarks underscore the broader concerns about equitable treatment, fair play, and the accessibility of international football events for African audiences.

As the debate continues, Fofana’s passionate critique draws attention to the challenges faced by African football enthusiasts, prompting a reevaluation of the current broadcasting and officiating standards within the realm of CAF and FIFA.