To lose to a team, not because they were superior and had an exceptional game, but because of atrocious officiating is a very bitter pill to swallow, and unfortunately that is what our beloved Chiefs had to endure on Saturday at the FNB stadium against AS Vita in the final CAF Champions’ League group match.
I am not one for excuses, and dwelling over spilt milk and neither are Chiefs, but our boys displayed nothing but mettle and single-mindedness to overcome the 3-0 deficit they suffered even though many had written them off.
After Musona’s 26th minute delicate finish the match deteriorated into an exhibition of some the worst officiating I haven’t witnessed in quite some time. Nkatha made a precision run in to the Vita box to double the lead only to have his goal suspiciously (and I’m being kind) disallowed. The AS Vita players also played their part with petty un-sportsman like tactics ceasing every opportunity to disrupt the match squabbling with the Chiefs players.
Nguemba Lmboto who should be nominated for a Razzie Award for worst performer, as he consistently fell to the ground complaining from fictional cramps, but what was infuriating was that, the figure of authority simply turned a blind eye to everything including a genuine penalty call in the AS Vita box.
In all honesty that’s how it goes in Africa and if we had forgotten due to our long inactivity in CAF tournaments now we know that dubious officiating is part of the game this match served as a shot of reality we needed to prepare for next year.
iKosi Alipheli Amandla!
