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Eddie Chikamhi-Senior Sports Reporter

Chegutu Pirates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0

Dynamos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (0) 1

(Match abandoned in added time)

PREMIERSHIP newboys Chegutu Pirates are likely to pay dearly for lack of discipline after their players caused the abandonment of their Castle Lager Premier Soccer League game against Dynamos at Baobab yesterday.

Match commissioner Brighton Mudzamiri confirmed the match was called off because of the refusal by the home team to restart the game after DeMbare had scored a contested 97th-minute winner. 

“The match could not go ahead as you all saw that the other team refused to restart after conceding a goal. There was nothing more the referees could do. So it’s abandoned,” he said. 

Dynamos are likely to win the match in the boardroom as video evidence appears to be on their favour. 

After a frustrating afternoon in front of goal, DeMbare were a relieved lot after they nailed the winning goal in the 97th minute from a fortuitous strike by Donald Dzvinyai. 

But Pirates players and officials protested that the ball did not cross the line although videos suggested that their defender was behind the goal line when he headed the ball in a desperate attempt to clear their lines. 

Chaos filled the stadium as the home team’s supporters also joined in the commotion, hurling missiles towards the pitch.

The stadium stewards also worked overtime to avert a mass pitch invasion. 

The referee Peter Kalota also had to consider the match officials’ safety and after an almost 20-minute stoppage, he called the match off. 

Chegutu Pirates coach Emmanuel Day Gutu, who tried without success to persuade his players to continue with the game, was saddened by the incident. 

“It’s a pity the game had to be decided this way,” he said. 

“But we gave a good account of ourselves, they had their moments and we had our moments.” 

However, Gutu was sceptical about the goal. 

“About the goal, I am not sure. The assistant referee was better positioned. When we asked the referee, he too was not sure whether the ball had crossed the line. The ball was in the air so it was very difficult to see whether it crossed the line. 

“The referee wasn’t sure and went and consulted the assistant referee but the assistant referee’s decision was influenced by the photographer. 

“So we are not sure and even myself, I am not sure whether it crossed the line. 

“But I’m happy with the performance; first half we were jittery but second half we were a bit more composed. We now know how to play with bigger clubs. 

“We learnt our lesson against Highlanders, it’s a work in progress but I am happy with the performance,” said Gutu. 

But the result was also a huge relief for DeMbare coach Genesis Mangombe who has been under the spotlight following a slow start to the campaign. 

Dynamos have not been convincing in front of goal. 

They almost missed a chance to close in on the top teams in this year’s Castle Lager Premiership race as Pirates defended with all they had, buoyed by the vociferous support of the passionate home crowd. 

They hit the woodwork twice, with Emmanuel Paga and Valentine Kadonzvo, and were greatly agitated after the referee had turned down their penalty appeals late in the second. 

After a goalless first half, Dynamos goalkeeper Martin Mapisa stretched full length to deal with a bouncer from Tinotenda Chiunye soon after the restart. 

The closest DeMbare came was when forceful second-half substitute Paga hit the underside of the crossbar in the 72nd minute from a cross by Emmanuel Jalai. 

Dynamos had appeals for a penalty turned down by referee Peter Kalota after defender Dexter Nduna had used his hand to block a cross by Jalai. 

Nearside assistant referee Luckson Mhara, who was close to the action concurred the hand was in its natural position as DeMbare protested the decision. 

Dynamos thought they had broken the deadlock when Valentine Kadonzvo’s 84th-minute scorcher whizzed past the keeper’s head only to bounce off the inside of the upright. 

Dynamos players, seemingly convinced that there was something supernatural about the Pirates’ goal, Paga went to remove the water bottle behind the keeper’s goal resulting in a scuffle between the players from the two teams at the death. 

The referee had to intervene during the brief stoppage which led to more additional time. 

Dynamos coach Mangombe was critical of the behaviour of the home team. 

“ I think it was a goal and I don’t know why they are saying it’s not a goal,” he said.

“I think hooliganism is not good for our football. If you are supporting your team, you have to support decisions by the referees, not to come I and cause havoc and throw stones on the pitch. 

“The supporters need to understand that their team is coming from Division One and some of the decisions may seem harsh. If it’s not in your favour you may think it’s not a goal, but if you look at the incident clearly, you will see that it’s a clear goal.” 

Teams

Chegutu Pirates: Anorld Munkuli, Tinashe Mwafulirwa, Rodwell Mhlanga, Wayne Kamurai (D. Phiri, 58th min), Eddington Phiri, Elisha Zulu, Reuben Machaya, Tinotenda Ditima, Reginald Ngazima, Tinotenda Chiunye (R. Chifura 58th min), Jimu Gwara

Dynamos: Martin Mapisa, Emmanuel Jalai, Frank Makarati, Donald Dzvinyai, Kevin Moyo, Donald Mudadi (F. Alick, 58th min), Temptation Chiwunga (S. Uri-Khob, 83rd min), Frederick Ansa-Botchway, Nomore Chinyerere (V. Kadonzvo, 58th min), Issa Sadiki (E. Paga, 58th min), Eli Ilunga (K. Madera, 83rd min)