Confusion rocked the Arthur Peter Mutharika Southern Region Women Football League decider at Chiwembe ground on Saturday when Zomba City Queens walked out of the pitch in the 71st minute.
 They were protesting against Blantyre Zero’s featuring of Yanjanani ‘Ntonjane’ Pinanji.
Pinanji came in as a substitute in the 65th minute, but City Queens questioned her legality to play in the game after she scored Blantyre Zero’s third goal in the 71st minute.
They argued that National Women Football Committee (SRWFC) president Suzgo Ngwira banned her for indiscipline during the finals of Matindi Schools Tournament a few months ago.
Despite Ngwira clarifying to the teams and SRWFC that the ban was not meant for the Mutharika League, the Zomba-based side continued their protest until referee Christopher Kadanga declared Blantyre Zero as 3-0 winners.
Blantyre Zero led 2-0 in the first-half through goals by Sungeni Msiska and Sheila Dimba before Pinanji added the third in the second segment.
But SRWFC was reluctant to declare Blantyre Zero champions because the outcome of the hearing, concerning the Ndirande-based team’s alleged featuring of DD Sunshine player Orama Massa in their 1-0 win over Ntopwa Super Queens is yet to be known.
“The champions will be declared once the results of the hearing are released. We will let you know of the outcome after our meeting soon,†said SRWFC chairperson Catherine Chikandula.
