Lights Out for SuperSport-Arrows Match

Load shedding is wreaking havoc on South Africa and now on the beautiful game, forcing the stoppage of a Betway Premiership match between SuperSport United and Golden Arrows FC on Sunday, 23 February.

Playing at Lucas Moripe Stadium in Pretoria, Gauteng, Arrows kept SuperSport on their toes by maintaining 63% possession of the ball throughout the sorely brief match.

Nevertheless, Matsatsantsa were the first to score in the fourth minute, thanks to a close-range shot from forward Christian Saile.

Before Arrows could retaliate, however, load shedding struck at the 22nd minute, causing the stadium’s floodlights to stop working. In turn, this prompted referee Siyabulela Nqunta to pause the game.

Although the stadium lacked a back-up generator, matchplay resumed under natural lighting. Shortly after, Arrows levelled the score in the 24th minute of the first half, courtesy of a header from midfielder Velemseni Ndwandwe.

Unfortunately, natural lighting ran its course as the sun quickly set, forcing the game to be halted for good during the second half.

The Premier Soccer League is expected to provide details on whether the match will be completed or replayed, as well as when that might occur.

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