Sundowns Reach Nedbank Cup Final

Mamelodi Sundowns will meet Orlando Pirates in the Nedbank Cup final next month, but many will still be talking about the bizarre referee calls made at Danie Craven Stadium in Stellenbosch on Saturday, 4 May.

The Brazilians enjoyed an early start with Khuliso Mudau opening up the scoreboard in the 11th minute, just three minutes after his teammate Divine Lunga was yellow-carded for a repeated mishap with Devin Titus; that, however, did not slow down gameplay.

The capacity crowd cheered on the home team despite the visitors dominating through the first half. In the latter part of the match, Iqraam Rayners was declared offside by referee Jelly Chavani after an opportunity to score was short-lived due to a misplaced pass from Stellies defender Fawaaz Basadien.

Near stoppage time, Sundowns extended their lead to 2-0 at the 74th-minute mark with substitute Thembinkosi Lorch finding the back of the net. A short while later, Qobolwakhe Sibande challenged Mudau, inevitably leading to Peter Shalulile getting a chance with a free kick near the goal box – and ultimately shooting right over the bar.

Genino Palace gave Stellenbosch a consolatory goal with 81 minutes elapsed on the clock, but Sundowns had already secured their spot in the final next month.

Some fans argued that Chavani was not harsh enough in his calls, while others, such as Sundowns coach Rhulani Mokwena, claimed that the official had struck a fine balance needed for such an intense match.

Image Credit: Source