Veteran referee and prominent rules analyst Victor "The Principal" Hlungwani has stepped into the spotlight to explain three major Video Assistant Referee (VAR) decisions that rocked the CAF Champions League semi final first legs involving South African clubs Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates.
Many were puzzled when Fiston Mayele’s goal was ruled out. Hlungwani explained that the striker was offside due to the ball deflecting off a defender rather than a deliberate play.
Perhaps the most contentious was the dramatic 94th minute goal for Pyramids FC against Pirates that was overturned. Hlungwani confirmed VAR got it spot on.
While fans have been split on the calls, Hlungwani has stood firmly behind the decisions made by the referees and the VAR officials, emphasizing the importance of correct interpretations under immense pressure.
His clarifications offer some relief for South African sides, who now head into the second legs of their respective semi finals with everything still to play for and clarity on what went down in a weekend filled with drama, passion, and technology.
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