Pirates robbed? Hlungwani sets record straight on controversial MTN8 Final decision

Former Premier Soccer League (PSL) referee Victor Hlungwani has set the record straight on a contentious officiating decision during the MTN8 Final between Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns.

Mamelodi Sundowns defeated Orlando Pirates 2-0 at a packed Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban. The Brazilians sealed the win courtesy of goals from Teboho Mokoena and a late stoppage-time penalty from Iqraam Rayners.

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The controversial incident

However, the major talking point centred around match official Abongile Tom, whose controversial decision to award Chloorkop a late penalty has been heavily criticised.

Hlungwani has now publicly revealed that the spot-kick should not have stood, pointing out an initial infringement by Sundowns attacker Siyanda Ndlovu before the penalty incident unfolded.

Hlungwani explains Sundowns' penalty

The former referee turned television analyst insisted that Tom completely misread the sequence and that the Buccaneers were unfairly penalised during the crucial closing stages.

“We see Mokobodi falling down and a penalty is given,” Hlungwani said on SoccerZone.

"When we go step by step, we see that Ndlovu is holding [Mokobodi]. Okay, holding him as no impact, fine. Then what does he do? He stamps on him as he is trying to move, even on the hand. So an offence has been committed already, where the referee should have killed it there.

"So the referee saw him jump, but he did not see the stomping there. You can’t stamp on someone's hand. So here a penalty was given, an incorrect decision."

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The decision is unlikely to have changed the outcome of the match, though, as Pirates were already behind with the match nearing stoppage time.

In terms of silverware, this dramatic outcome means that Mamelodi Sundowns have secured their second MTN8 trophy in the PSL era.

On the other side of the coin, the bitter defeat means that Orlando Pirates have agonisingly missed out on lifting a historic fifth consecutive title.

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Mamelodi Sundowns Mtn8 Final News Orlando Pirates Siyanda Ndlovu