Were Orlando Pirates robbed? A controversial decision that favoured Kaizer Chiefs eplained

Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs played to a 1-1 draw on Sunday at the FNB Stadium in a highly contested fixture.

Pule Mmodi scored first in the second half before Kamogelo Sebelebele responded in favour of the Premier Soccer League leaders. It turned out to be a massive point for them as the defending champions and rivals Mamelodi Sundowns were held to a goalless draw by Richards Bay.

As it is, Bucs are at the summit with 59 points from the 26 games played, while Masandawana come second with 58 but have a game in hand.

The Soweto Derby result, however, could have been different if Oswin Appollis strike could have been allowed by officials. The former Polokwane City attacker found the back of the net, but his celebrations were cut short by the assistant referee’s offside flag.

Were Orlando Pirates denied a clean goal?

In his analysis on Soccerzone, former PSL referee Victor Hlungwani explained why he couldn’t give a conclusive verdict on the decision made by the officials.

“Appollis scored the goal. This is the only angle we have. It’s not an offside angle, it’s a wide angle view,” he opened up.

“This angle you can see Appollis’ head is forward, but there’s Given Msimango on the other side. “But we are not sure from where you’re sitting at home and where we are sitting if the head is in front or not.

“So, Zakhele being there, he flagged for offisde because he was sure. Therefore the infield decision stays, which is offside as an infield decision. Zakhele Siwela who’s in line, he’s the only one that can tell us,” Hlungwani concluded.