Mighty Mukuru Wanderers coach Mark Harrison was left seething with alleged inconsistent officiating by Fifa Grade One referee Godfrey Nkhakananga in their opening match of the 2023 Airtel Top 8 cup at Bingu National Stadium on Saturday.
The match between the two teams was abandoned in the 92nd minute after striker Stain Davie controversially scored Silver’s second goal.
Nkhakananga blew the whistle for what looked like a free-kick for Silver after Isaac Kaliati was adjudged to have handled the ball but Davie struck the ball into the net and the referee awarded the Bankers a goal.
But Wanderers players and officials protested until the match was abandoned.
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In a post-match interview, Harrison felt that Nkhakananga spoiled the match.
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“I am in absolute shock with what happened. I have never seen this in my life. The guy should never referee a match in his life. This is disgusting but what happened towards the end of it was a mockery to our game. The game should be replayed,’’ Harrison said.
George Chaomba scored for Silver in the 41st minute before Gaddie Chirwa equalised in the second half.
However, Nkhakananga cut off his mobile phone when this reporter asked for clarification.
National Referees Association (NRA) General Secretary Chris Kalichero said a decision will be made after evaluating the reports from stakeholders.
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“We will not comment further until we get the reports,’’ Kalichero said.
Teams have on several occasions complained about poor officiating this season.
Three referees, namely Alfred Chilinda, Michael Mwambyale and Mark Dzimbasekwa, were slapped with four and six months suspensions, respectively, for being found guilty of influencing results of their respective matches.
Meanwhile, Football Association of Malawi (Fam) has announced that the result of the match has been withheld awaiting an official report from the referee.
Fam Communications and Competitions Director Gomezgani Zakazaka said the association’s committee responsible for competitions will discuss the matter.
“His (Nkhakananga) report is what guides us on what transpired during the match,” Zakazaka said.
Airtel Top 8 article 10.3 states that in the event that the match referee is forced to stop the match due to refusal to continue with play, the responsible team shall lose the match by a margin of two goals to zero.
Additionally, article 10.4 states that if the match is stopped before the end of regular time for reasons of force majeure as decided upon by the referee, the match is to be played within 48 hours at the same venue.
