The Airtel Top 8 Cup quarterfinal match between Silver Strikers and Mighty Mukuru Wanderers was abandoned in added time at Bingu National Stadium yesterday.
Silver were declared 2-1 winners after Wanderers players protested the Bankers’ late goal.
It all started after Silver scored the second goal in controversial circumstances through Stain Davie in the 92nd minute.
Wanderers defender Isaac Kaliati had handled the ball on the edge of the box but referee Godfrey Nkhakananga blew the whistle twice.
First, he blew for a hand ball while the ball was still in motion before Davie scored he then awarded the goal to Silver.
This triggered anger from some sections of fans as they threw missiles on the pitch.
After stopping for over 10 minutes, Nkhakananga blew the final whistle.
It was a game of two halves as Silver dominated the first half whereas Wanderers had a lion’s share of possession in the second half.
The Bankers created several scoring opportunities but goalkeeper Richard Chipuwa made crucial saves.
Nickson Mwase struck the frame of the goal post with a powerful header but the deadlock was broken in the 41st minute with a clever finish beating Chipuwa.
After the break, Wanderers coach Mark Harrison made triple substitution when he introduced Wisdom Mpinganjira, Francisco Madinga and Balikinyo Mwakanyango for Ahmed Kung’unde, Vitumbiko Kumwenda and Felix Zulu.
Wanderers pulled level through Gaddie Chirwa, who scored with the side foot of his right leg beating goalkeeper Pilirani Mapira.
After the goal, Wanderers seized control of the game with Mpinganjira, Madinga and Chirwa on top of their game.
Sensing danger, Silver brought in Davie and Zebron Kalima for Chaomba and Duncan Nyoni. The two teams will face each other in the second leg at Kamuzu Stadium on October 21.
