Leeds fans say taken aback by Noah Okafor snub as Qatar shock Switzerland
Leeds United fans were left baffled when Noah Okafor did not play a single minute in Switzerland’s 1-1 draw against Qatar.
The Swiss were shocked in the 94th-minute when Boualem Khoukhi headed in a late equaliser to cancel out Breel Embolo’s late penalty and earn the nation’s first-ever World Cup point.
Murat Yakin’s side had a wealth of chances throughout but proved to be wasteful in the final third, which would come back to haunt the European nation.
As a result, Leeds fans simply did not understand why Okafor was not brought off the bench to try and finish off the tie.
The attacker had been in fine form towards the end of the Premier League season and netted four times in his final four matches.
Yet, the 26-year-old remained on the bench as Switzerland’s qualification hopes took a hit.
Leeds shocked at Noah Okafor snub vs Qatar
Switzerland now face a massive challenge in Group B if they are to meet expectations this tournament.
The Swiss were expected to win their group with relative ease, but may now have to get maximum points against Bosnia and Herzegovina and Canada to achieve this.
Therefore, the decision to bring on one of the country's most in-form players could prove to be costly, and Leeds fans were quick to point this out.
Taking to X at full-time, many of the Elland Road faithful slammed the decision as the attacker was left helpless to change the game.
When do Switzerland next play in the World Cup?
Fortunately for Okafor, he may still have a chance to impress in this World Cup.
Switzerland’s next game is against Bosnia and Herzegovina on 18 June at the Los Angeles Stadium.
After this, their final game of the group stage is against Canada on 24 June at BC Place, Vancouver, in what will be a crucial match for both teams.
It remains to be seen if the Swiss will make it into the knockout stages, with Group B now wide open after each of the nations played out a 1-1 draw in their opening game of the tournament.
Okafor will now be hoping that he will be given a starting spot for both of these matches as he looks to continue his Leeds form with his country.