Silver, Moyale game abandoned: Malawi TNM Super League
Silver Strikers walked out on TNM Super League game against Moyale Barracks played at Mzuzu Stadium on Sunday in protest over a penalty awarded to their opponents in the 84th minute.
The bankers caused the abandonment of the game after being irked by a decision by referee Azizi Nyirenda, who awarded what they felt was a dubious a penalty to the soldiers in the 84th minute.
Silver’s Blessings Tembo was adjudged to have handled in the 18-yard box leaving the referee with no option to but to award the hosts the penalty.
However, the bankers did not leave the pitch until the referee blew the final whistle as a decision will be made to officially determine the defending champions fate.
Moyale Barracks coach Nicholas Mhango said they won the match going by the rules and regulations of the game.
“We have won all the three points because any team which cause abandonment of a game lose the game by 2-0,” Mhango said.
He accused Silver of displaying unsportsmanship behaviour by refusing to continue with the match as Moyale’s Deus Nkutu was about to take a penalty spot against goalkeeper Blessings Kameza.
The game generated interest from three parties with Silver hoping to win to continue their great escape from relegation.
Moyale and Bullets were also fighting to finish the first round leading the 15-team league and receive K200,000 award.
Moyale’s victory by any margin of more than two-goal margin was enough to take them to the top of the league table midway through the season by displacing Bullets on goal difference.
Silver officials were not available to comment.
Renowned sports journalist and analyst Kevin Moyo blamed Silver for taking the law into their hands.
“Silver Strikers will lose by 2-0 because you are supposed to play under protest,” Moyo said.
Kevin, son to former Flames legendary player and coach, late Henry Moyo, said Silver should not have abandoned the game because it smacks of unsportsmanship behaviour.
“Although sometimes make questionable decisions you are supposed to play under protest. It’s in black and white you cause an abandonment of the game you lose the game,” he said.
Last week Bullets were also awarded a contentious penalty in added time which denied Blue Eagles to finish top of the league.
James Chilapondwa scored from the penalty to salvage a point as the game finished one-all.
Bullets maintained leading the lead with 29 points while Blue Eagles moved to 28 points.
Follow and Subscribe Nyasa TV :