Publications
Partners
Cape Town - A Themba Zwane dive that fooled referee Kulasande Qongqo into awarding a penalty assisted Mamelodi Sundowns in a 3-1 win over Stellenbosch in an Absa Premiership clash at Loftus Versfeld on Wednesday.
Stellenbosch were the better side for the first 30 minutes and took the lead in the 35th minute with a Ryan Moon header to stun the Absa Premiership champions.
After the break, the game swung in Sundowns' favour in the 57th minute as Themba Zwane blatantly dived inside the area with Qongqo pointing to the spot.
Despite there being clear daylight between the Sundowns attacker and the attempted challenge by Stellenbosch captain Mogamad de Goede the penalty stood as Zwane stepped up to equalise.
A clearly frustrated De Goede - caused by the earlier unjust decision - then received a straight red card for an ugly studs-up challenge on Rivaldo Coetzee.
Two late goals by academy graduates Sphelele Mkhulise in the 85th minute and Keletso Makgwala in stoppage time sealed the three points for Pitso Mosimane's side.
Speaking after the game, Mosimane - who had constantly criticised Kaizer Chiefs for their apparent beneficial treatment from referees - said that he was happy to benefit from the penalty decision.
"If we benefitted, who cares? It's about time, I shrug my shoulders," Mosimane said. "I even want offside on Saturday (in the Telkom Knockout final) and I will lift the trophy gladly.
"And a penalty? No problem. It's the way it is at this point, I will take it."
Stellenbosch head coach Steve Barker though was left furious by the performance by the match officials and hit out at Mosimane for his silence on the penalty decision.
"I want to know some clubs (Sundowns) who say other clubs get decisions what did they say tonight?" Barker questioned. "What did they say tonight? I bet they said nothing."
?? "That's pretty convincing... That's definitely not a penalty."
— SuperSport ???? (@SuperSportTV) December 11, 2019
Sundowns have equalised against Stellenbosch but should they have been awarded the penalty after it appears that the defender did not touch Zwane?
Watch live: https://t.co/3wUsZ183KY.#AbsaPrem pic.twitter.com/9a8UkTnTy1
"I want to know these same clubs that say other clubs get decisions, what did they say tonight?"
— SuperSport ???? (@SuperSportTV) December 11, 2019
Stellenbosch coach Steve Barker was not a happy man after he felt his side were on the end of a number of incorrect refereeing decisions against Sundowns??#AbsaPrem pic.twitter.com/qcbXu2JBfV
Compiled by Baden Gillion
