A high-profile Zimbabwe Castle Premier League match between Dynamos and FC Platinum was abandoned yesterday after a controversial penalty call in favor of FC Platinum. The game at Mandava was halted in the 75th minute with the score tied at 1-1.
Referee Quedisani Dirwai awarded FC Platinum a late penalty, sparking the protest that led to the abandonment. This isn’t the first time Dirwai has been at the center of such an incident; he also awarded a late penalty to Scottland against Chicken Inn a few weeks ago, which similarly resulted in that match being abandoned.
The Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League (PSL) released a statement on Sunday evening condemning “any acts of misconduct leading to the abandonment of the matches.”
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The league stated that they are awaiting reports from the match officials and both clubs to determine the course of action. “Those found guilty will face the full wrath of the prescribed penalties,” the statement read.
Despite the contentious call, FC Platinum coach Norman Mapenza urged against walking off the pitch in protest. “If we are going to walk out of the pitch, we can solve the problem, I’m not saying because it has happened to Dynamos today, even it happens to us,” Mapenza said.
“We have seen us being ruled out goals for offside, an opponent being given penalty but we can’t just walk out of the pitch… What has happened, is not good for football.”
Malawian Players in Zimbabwean Action
In other Premier League action involving Malawian players:
William Thole’s Simba Bhora climbed to the top of the table after a 1-0 win over Yadah FC. The Flames’ number one goalkeeper has had an impressive season, conceding only 8 goals in 17 matches. Simba Bhora now has 35 points from 17 games.
Gomezgani Chirwa started for Ngezi Platinum Stars in their 3-1 victory over MWOS. This win ended MWOS’s impressive 16-game unbeaten run and propelled Ngezi to 5th place with 25 points from 17 games.
Flames defender Nixon Nyasulu started for FC Platinum in the abandoned match, while Vincent Nyangulu was on the bench. Precious Phiri was not in the matchday squad.
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