Victor Hlungwani: Ref Sikhumbuzo Gasa was spot on in Kaizer Chiefs, Mamelodi Sundowns game

Former Fifa referee Victor Hlungwani has backed match referee Skhumbuzo Gasa after Kaizer Chiefs game Photo: Itumeleng English/ Independent Newspapers

Former Fifa referee Victor Hlungwani has backed match referee Skhumbuzo Gasa after Kaizer Chiefs game Photo: Itumeleng English/ Independent Newspapers

Published Oct 1, 2024

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There was nothing wrong with Mamelodi Sundown's controversial second goal against Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium last Saturday, according to Former PSL and FIFA referee Victor Hlungwani.

Defending champions, Sundowns claimed all three points after claiming a 2-1 win over the Soweto giants in what was a hotly contested affair.

However, during the 90 minutes, match referee Sikhumbuzo Gasa made several decisions which left Chiefs’ head coach Nasreddine Nabi and the club’s fans incensed.

Among the big talking points was Sundown's second goal, which was put into the back of the net by striker Iqraam Rayners after receiving a pass from attacker Lucas Ribeiro who looked to have been in an offside position.

Chiefs' disallowed goal just before the final whistle also raised the ire of the club's loyal fan base, who after the game pelted match officials with objects as they attempted to leave the field.

However, during the SABC’s Soccer Zone show, former PSL referee Victor Hlungwani said that Sundowns’ goal was correct, as Ribeiro was onside.

β€œWhen we draw the line we can see Inacio Miguel’s leg was putting Lucas Ribeiro onside. Allende is offside, but it’s not an offence to be in an offside position [if you don’t play the ball].

β€œNow when the ball is released you can see that the players comes from an onside position, so this goal was scored correctly and in line with the laws of the game,” Hlungwani said.

Hlungwane also weighed in on Amakhosi’s disallowed goal, stating that the referee was again spot on.

β€œOn this goal we can safely say that, with the evidence we have, we can support the referee that he took the correct decision at the end of the day.”

IOL Sport