Former FIFA match official Victor Hlungwani reveals three incorrect major calls in favour of Orlando Pirates against Supersport United in the quarterfinals of the MTN8.
In what was an intense game that ended 3-1 in favour of the defending champions, Pirates, match officials on the day led by Abongile Tom appears to have made major errors in favour of the hosts according to Victor Hlungwani on SABC Sport popular football show, Soccerzone.
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In the 21st minute, the ball was powerfully struck by a Supersport player Keanin Boya with his left foot towards Sipho Chaine’s goals after Monnapule Saleng failed to clear the ball in his box.
The ball went on to hit the out stretched arm of Pirates defender Thabiso Monyane, but with his view obstructed, Tom wrongfully waved away the calls from SuperSport players for hand ball according to Hlungwani.
“Penalty should have been awarded, but it was not awarded because Abongile Tom was obstructed. So incorrect decision by the referee,” Hlungwani stated on Soccerzone.
He quickly went to the Buccaneers’ goal in the first half by captain on the day, Olisa Nda, who appeared to have been in an offside position when he connected with Monnapule Saleng’s cross in the 44th minute to hand the host the lead.
“He (Ndah) interfered with play. The flag did not go up, and the goal was given. An incorrect decision by the assistant referee,” he added.
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The last incorrect call in favour of the Sea Robbers came in the 80th minute after Patrick Maswanganyi hit Matsatsantsa’s starlet Gape Moralo in the chest with his elbow after the two confronted each other during the fierce battle.
Tom awarded both players’ yellow cards, but Hlungwani feels Maswanganyi should have been sent off for using excessive force.
“This violent conduct. A player should be sent off – If he uses an elbow, it is worse… because you are using excessive force. This is brutality. Unfortunately, he got a yellow card. It should have been a red card.”
These calls alongside Gavin Hunt’s red card helped the Buccaneers to seal a 3-1 victory after extra after Saleng and Evidence Makgopa added to early strike from Ndah, while Supersport’s goal came from Vincent Pule.