There was a lot of drama in Mamelodi Sundowns’ game against Moroka Swallows on Monday, with Gabadinho Mhango scoring a late goal after initially being in an offside position.
Sundowns looked in control of the match for large parts and were 2-0 up after 50 minutes.
However, they still dropped two points after goals by Augustine Mahlonoko and Mhango, with in particular the latter causing lots of debates after the assistant referee had raised flag.
However, after match official Jelly Chavani discussed the incident with his assistant he gave the goal.
“It’s not an offence staying in an offside position, point nr. one,” Phumudzo Manenzhe explained on SuperSport TV.
“I want the viewers to understand. The next point in this is the defender, who is [Divine] Lunga in this instance deliberately playing the ball – the answer is yes.
“Had the ball been deflected off Lunga, Mhango would’ve been in an offside position because he’s not deliberately playing the ball.
“But is the defender deliberately playing the ball? The answer is yes. When he deliberately playing the ball, it’s not an offence to be in an offside decision, therefor Mhango can continue to play and that’s why the goal is allowed to stand.”
Bongani Khumalo agreed with Manenzhe’s explanation and added: “We don’t waste time in disagreeing with the referees and ultimately hammering, let me just say well done to the referee.
“Turning that decision around, doing the right thing, great officiating. I’m impressed.”