Nedbank Cup controversy is broken down by ex-referee on key decisions.
The quarterfinal clash between Stellenbosch FC and Kaizer Chiefs ended in a storm of controversy, with Stellies feeling hard done by key officiating decisions. Chiefs secured a 3-1 victory at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Saturday, but Stellenbosch head coach Steve Barker refused to discuss the match, instead calling out questionable calls that he believes “robbed” his team.
Was there a penalty missed?
The first contentious moment occurred in the seventh minute when Nkosingiphile Ngcobo sent a through ball to Ashley Du Preez. As Du Preez raced towards goal, Thabo Moloisane pulled him back, preventing him from reaching the ball. Hlungwani believes this was a clear penalty and should have been accompanied by a yellow card.
“You can see there’s impeding there; a penalty should have been awarded [to Chiefs],” Hlungwani told SABC Sport. “The hand was used to impede… a yellow card should have been given [to Moloisane].”
Handball controversy in the 17th minute
Just 10 minutes later, Gaston Sirino delivered a cross aimed at Glody Lilepo. However, Stellenbosch defender Ismael Toure blocked it with his hand. The referee awarded a penalty, which was the correct decision. Hlungwani insists that the referee should have also shown a yellow card.
“Penalty given correctly so… and a yellow card should have come out for Toure stopping a promising attack through a deliberate handball,” explained Hlungwani.
Toure’s violent conduct in the 38th minute
In another major incident, Toure appeared to slap Sirino in the face in the 38th minute. Hlungwani categorizes this as “violent conduct using excessive force or brutality”. An action that should have resulted in a straight red card.
“If he had received a yellow for the handball. He would have gotten another yellow and gone,” he added. This implies that Stellenbosch should have played with 10 men.
The 94th-minute goal that shouldn’t have stood?
The most debated moment came in stoppage time when Pule Mmodi found the net from a Mduduzi Shabalala corner. However, Stellenbosch argued that George Matlou had fouled goalkeeper Sage Stephens in the build up.
“You can see the infringement. The referee must protect the goalkeeper,” Hlungwani stated. “Referee shouldn’t have awarded this as a goal. The referee should not have given it.”
Despite some arguing that Mmodi was offside, Hlungwani clarified that no offside offense occurred.
As debates rage on over the officiating in the Nedbank Cup quarter final. Hlungwani’s analysis underscores the ongoing concerns about refereeing standards in South African football. With Stellenbosch feeling hard done. This match has reignited the conversation about the consistency and quality of officiating at the highest level of domestic football.
Stay tuned with The South African as Nedbank Cup controversy is broken down by ex-referee.
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