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Bongani Mafu

Sikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
HIGHLANDERS coach Bongani Mafu was inconsolable yesterday after his valiant side were cheated of at least a point away to Dynamos in Harare.

Highlanders, chasing their first win over Dynamos since 2006, thought they had secured at least a draw until Edmore Muzanenhamo’s late strike was ruled out for offside as Dynamos won 3-2.

Assistant referee Bongani Gadzikwa made the call after referee Norman Matemera had initially given the goal. TV replays showed Muzanenhamo was clearly onside.

“It’s sad really,” Mafu said. “We can’t have results cooked like what happened today. National champions must be on merit not this nonsense. Our football will not go anywhere with this kind of officiating.”

He said the penalty awarded to his side in the seventh minute should have resulted in a red card.

Mafu felt his men were better on the day.

“We told the boys that we’re better than Dynamos and the boys did prove that, but sadly someone else [assistant referee] came into the picture,” said Mafu.

Matemera, a policeman, was in charge of the 2013 clash between the two giants in which he added four minutes at the end of the 90, but let play continue until 96 minutes when Dynamos equalised.