Action-packed both on and off the field, the match saw De-mbare scooping three points in a controversial 1-0 victory over the visiting Bulawayo-based team.When referee Alfred Zindove awarded a penalty to Dynamos in the 88th minute, following a tackle from behind on Wonder Sithole inside the box, his decision was met with whistles of approval and boos of condemnation.
But it was not the reason why Sundowns’ dreadlocked manager, Eddie Chivero and club director, Gift Banda, stormed onto the pitch to seek justification from the man with the whistle just after the conversion of the penalty by Leonard Tsipa.The visiting side’s goalkeeper, Maurana Phiri, seemed to have complained, but in vain, about his alleged attack from the Dynamos fanatics seated behind the goal post when the penalty was taken.
Whether or not the staunch De-mbare fanatics, that were becoming impatient for scores after a drab first half, genuinely stoned Phiri on the head did not ultimately stop the match. It sparked some heated arguments not only between players and mere supporters, but also between PSL fixtures secretary, Godfrey Japa Japa and Sundowns director, Mhizha.
After 10 minutes of drama, Sundowns players, who had walked off the ground in protest, finally matched back, although this appeared to have been against their will and was a decision by their technical team.
Sundowns’ head coach, Philani Ncube, was one disgruntled man. Speaking after the game, Ncube told reporters it was unfortunate it was one man who had to decide.
It is unfortunate that Dynamos must not lose in Harare, they are very strong in the terraces. I am not taking anything away from Dynamos, but that was a dubious penalty and the refereeing is something that should be improved if we are to develop in soccer, Ncube
Post published in: Zimbabwe Sports News