Soccer Extreme : CAF technical director Mostafa Abdul-Menem 'Shatta' downplayed the controversial appearance of a goat on the pitch that hosted Egypt's 1-0 loss to Niger.Before the national anthems of both countries were played, Niger's players got onto the pitch along with a black goat that was kept on a lead.
The farm animal was barely considered a lucky mascot as many people suggested that it was involved in magical practices ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
A number of football pundits criticized the home side for their inexplicable act, which from Shatta's perspective was 'no big deal'.
"I really don't see the reason why we are talking about some goat," he told Egyptian radio.
"Of course it's the match commissioner's responsibility to make sure that only the players are on the pitch, but it's no big deal after all.
"Did the goat cause Egypt to lose?!" he added sarcastically.
Egypt, who embarrassingly produced a lackluster display in Sunday's game, are now languishing at the bottom of Group G on a single point, three adrift of leaders South Africa. (africansoccerunion)