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THERE were contrasting fortunes for Zimbabwe internationals — Washington Arubi and Ronald Pfumbidzai — as SuperSport United beat Al Hilal Benghazi 2-1 in a CAF Confederation Cup match.
The game was marred by controversy at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Wednesday night.
Arubi was sent off in the first half while Pfumbidzai provided the assist for the late match-winning goal.
There was controversy on the half-hour mark when Arubi was shown a red card. This came after he was first cautioned with a yellow card for handling the ball outside the 18-area box.
To everyone’s surprise, the Gabonese referee Patrice Mebiame gave Arubi a second yellow a few seconds later after protests from the Al Hilal players.
SuperSport United were forced to make changes and brought on Ricardo Goss for Risen Albert.
SuperSport United made 10 changes from the team that won 2-1 against Moroka Swallows in the DStv Premiership on Friday.
It didn’t take long before Selaelo Rasebotja repaid the faith shown by coach Gavin Hunt and slotted home the opener in the 11th minute.
The visitors applied some pressure on the home side and were eventually rewarded in the 22nd minute.
Striker Mohamed Salim’s shot from inside the box beat Arubi to make it 1-1.
The visitors were also reduced to 10 men when Ahmed Mohamed was given a red card for a serious foul on Phathutshedzo Nange.
Etiosa Ighodaro secured the much-needed three points for the home side with five minutes remaining when he connected a cross from Pfumbidzai.
Online Reporter