Civo beat Tigers, as Leo scuffles with match officials
Azam Tigers coach Leo Mpulula overshadowed Civo United 2-0 victory over his team when he manhandled referee Williams Maseko accusing him of bias.
It had to take police officers to take the match officials to safety, but Mpulula was so incensed that he resorted to a verbal tirade against Maseko. In return, some fans booed Mpulula.
It was a bad end to an otherwise one-sided match.
Sulom executive member Charles Manyungwa, who witnessed referee Maseko’s ordeal said Sulom will look into the matter.
Mpulula was annoyed with the second goal which was scored by Lazarous Chirwa in the 55th minute. Chirwa made a quick run from the midfield to beat an off side trap and connect a Chandiwira Manda through ball past Nenani Juwaya with Tigers defenders just watching.
The Tigers coach could not be reached for his reaction to the incident.
Civo had gone ahead 15 minutes into the game when Dan Katunga bicycle-kicked over Juwaya from a Manda cross. Manda was voted man of the match.
It was the seventh goal for former Red Lions player Katunga.
Tigers, who maintained the same squad which whipped Epac 2-0 on Saturday, could not find a winning formula against a rejuvenated Civo, with Manda and Martin Masoatheka orchestrating play.
Even in the presence of their patron Godfrey Kachale and his brother Roy, Tigers could not find the inspiration to unlock Civo’s defence.
But Civo could have won by a bigger margin had they used their numerous chances.
“Yes, Civo had a good game, but we could have easily come back into the game and even win if the referee had not let the second goal stand,” said Tigers technical adviser Robin Alufandika after the match.
Civo coach Thom Mkolongo hailed his players for the gallant fight.
“We played well and deserved to win. As far as I am concerned, our second goal was as genuine as the first one,” said Mkolongo.
Silver Strikers beat Blue Eagles 1-0 at Nankhaka. Fank Banda scored from the spot kick. The Bankers have moved second with 40 points.
