adminyesterday when a hotly-disputed second half penalty condemned his side to their seventh defeat of the season in a Castle Lager Premiership soccer match against Black Rhinos at Gwanzura.
Ntini, who is facing an uncertain future with the Premiership newboys following a disappointing start, was riled by the referee Robert Magorosa’s decision to award the army side a penalty in the 75th minute which completely changed the complexion of the game after Triangle had given away their early first half lead.
Rhinos captain Brighton Chandisaita converted from the spot to seal the game after Lot Chiwunga had cancelled out Lameck Nhamo’s 21st minute strike.
“The game was ours and everyone could see it but I think in some of the situations the referees are giving some teams advantage for nothing.
“Every time we are being disadvantaged and just look at that penalty. It was too soft, what for? We cannot keep on playing like this.
“Last week we were in Harare and a penalty was given at Rufaro and today the same penalty was given. So we don’t know what exactly we are supposed to do.
“The surprising thing is when we are at home we are not given these penalties. The referees themselves would admit and say ndatya kuti vanhu vanozoita noise. Imagine, they can go to the extent of saying that,” said Ntini.
Triangle swapped places with Rhinos as they dropped one place to 15th on the log standings. The visitors showed signs of promise early on with an attacking formation that was rewarded with a goal in the 21st minute when striker Lameck Nhamo placed the ball to the far right of the goalkeeper Samuel Mafukidze after receiving the ball from Limited Chikafa inside the box.
They could have taken the lead as early as the 11th minute but midfielder Chastern Ndongonda’s pile drive crashed against the upright.
Rhinos were also denied by the woodwork in the 33rd minute when Lot Chiwunga made an attempt from outside the box. Chiwunga however got it right on the stroke of half time when he drilled home from a rebound after his initial close range effort was blocked by the goalkeeper.
The home team was then awarded a penalty in when Triangle goalkeeper Brighton Chipula appeared to have used his elbow to shrug off Rhinos midfielder Trust Torovasei as he prepared to dispatch the ball after making a save. Triangle contested the decision as Rhinos skipper Chandisaita expertly sent the keeper the wrong way from the spot.
The army team’’s coach Arthur Tutani was elated by the win, which was his second in four games since he took over the reins from Nesbert Saruchera, whom he had assisted since the beginning of the season.
Tutani said Triangle had no case in complaining about the penalty as the referees had better judgment since they were in the thick of things.
Teams
Black Rhinos: S. Mafukidze, J. Mukombwe, W. Chakanyuka, B. Chandisaita, S. Jimu, W. Kapinda, M. Mine, W. Masenda (M. Kurewa, 80th minute), L. Chiwunga, M. Mudehwe, B. Muzondiwa (T. Torovasei, 65th minute)
Triangle: B. Chipula, R. Kawondera, B. Chimwamuchere, W. Mapfumo, P. Chinungwa, C. Ndongonda, T. Chipunza (L. Kurauzvione, 54th minute), C. Denias, T. Meda (T. Muyendi, 54th minute), L. Nhamo, L. Chikafa
Online Reporter