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Yanga’s disallowed goal: Rulani Mokwena reacts to Gamondi’s remarks

In the wake of a controversial disallowed goal call in the CAF Champions League, Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena has addressed the strong remarks made by Young Africans SC coach Miguel Gamondi.

Sundowns advanced to the Champions League semi-finals after defeating Young Africans 3-2 on penalties at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Friday night.

The two sides remained deadlocked at 0-0 on aggregate following a goalless draw in the first leg last Saturday in Dar es Salaam, forcing the penalty shootout to decide the winner.

Despite Sundowns securing a semi-final berth, Yanga had a potential goal overturned by the VAR in the second half. The long-range shot by Stephane Aziz Ki was judged not to have crossed the goal line.

Gamondi strongly criticised Mauritian referee Dahane Beida as he questioned the disallowed goal. The Yanga coach coach believes his troops were ‘robbed’ of a legitimate scoring opportunity.

Mamelodi Sundowns in action against Young Africans SC in the CAF Champions League
Mamelodi Sundowns edge Young Africans SC 3-2 on penalties in the CAF Champions League quarter-finals/Picture by Young Africans SC

RULANI MOKWENA CLAIMS THAT SUNDOWNS COULD HAVE ALSO BEEN AWARDED A PENALTY

While Sundowns coach Mokwena took a cautious approach when he spoke about Yanga’s disallowed goal, he claimed that his side could have also been given a penalty by the referee.

“I can’t find words to appease him [Gamondi]; of course, the feeling of being robbed for any other coach [is not nice]. I would rather on my side be extremely complementary to the opposition instead of taking that direction,” Mokwena said when asked about Gamondi’s remarks in the referee.

“There were a lot of other situations, like a foul with an elbow on Devine Lunga inside the box, and that could have been a penalty.

“But I don’t wanna talk about those things. Maybe if I had lost, I would also take that direction, but let me be gracious and respectful in victory. They [Yanga] were a worthy opponent, a good side, one that we enjoyed playing against home and away.”

Sundowns will shift their focus to the DStv Premiership to face the relegation-threatened Cape Town Spurs at Athlone Stadium next Tuesday.

RELATED STORY: Yanga coach’s verdict on Skudu Makudubela ahead of Kariakoo Derby

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