The Nedbank Cup semi-final match between Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns came down to a thrilling 2-1 victory for Kaizer Chiefs. However, the match has been clouded by controversy, as questions have been raised about the authenticity of Ashley Du Preez's winning goal. After the Chiefs upset the league winners and threw their fans into celebration, the Chiefs have reached their first domestic final in six years. However, the joy that the Chiefs have experienced is now being tempered by a heated dispute regarding the officiating.
In the final moments before halftime, Teboho Mokoena scored for Sundowns, giving them the lead. Wandile Duba, a young player with a lot of potential, scored the equalizer for the Chiefs in the second half, demonstrating their desire to fight. Wild celebrations broke out among the Amakhosi supporters as a result of Du Preez's goal, which was scored in the final minutes of the game and turned out to be the game-winning goal. However, further replays have demonstrated that Du Preez was acting in an offside position at the time that the game-winning pass was played. Ace Ncobo, a former FIFA referee, weighed in on the matter and confirmed that the goal should not have been allowed to stand. "The striker was 10.4 meters away from the goal line, and the defender who was the second-last in line was 10.9 meters at that point." According to Ncobo, "It is obvious that the striker was closer, and that is considered to be offside."
However, Ncobo refrained from outright condemning the assistant referee and instead pointed out that the lack of VAR (Video Assistant Referee) equipment in South African football is a significant problem. It is possible for these things to occur in a nation that does not have video assistant referees. He continued by saying, "The assistant was caught off guard by the pace, and he misjudged the situation." Chiefs will continue to make preparations for the championship game against their bitter rivals, the Orlando Pirates, despite the controversy that has surrounded them. The fans of Amakhosi probably won't care about the fact that Sundowns may feel like they've been treated unfairly because, after all, it's been a long and agonizing wait for a chance to win a trophy. The final of the Nedbank Cup is certain to be a thriller, and tensions are already starting to boil in anticipation of it.
Post a Comment