Big night for Phatsoane at World Cup

MASERU – Lesotho’s highly-rated assistant referee, Souru Phatšoane, is set to officiate his second game at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar tonight when Spain takes on Japan.

The match will be played at the Khalifa International Stadium in Al Rayyan and is the final game of Group E.

There will be plenty at stake because the tie will decide which team progresses to the knockout stage of the global showpiece.

Phatšoane’s first duty at the World Cup was a match between the defending champions France and Australia last week Tuesday at the Al Janoub Stadium.

Phatšoane will once again be working with the South African duo of Victor Gomes, who will be the central referee, and Zakhele Siwela.

Salima Mukansanga of Rwanda will serve as the fourth official, El Hadji Samba of Senegal will be the reserve assistant referee while Adil Zourak of Morocco will be the Video Assistant Referee (VAR).

This World Cup has been enthralling and has seen its fair share of upsets and entertaining matches.

2014 world champions Germany are in desperate need of three points to qualify for the next round when they take on Costa Rica in Group E’s other game. However, Germany also needs Spain to do them a favour and beat Japan.

Tensions will no doubt be high with all teams in Group E still with a chance of making it to the next round.

The trio of Phatšoane, Gomes and Zakhele were widely praised for their officiating of the match between France and Australia. In fact, they did such a sterling job they did not even need to consult the VAR.

The trio also handled the 2021 African Cup of Nations final in Cameroon between Senegal and Egypt in February.

Tlalane Phahla