SINGAYAZIKAMINJOLO
Staff Reporter
Malawi’s Peter Banda was named in the starting line-up for the Simba FC squad that beat Orlando Pirates of South Africa 1-0 on Sunday in the CAF Confederation Cup first leg at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Over 60 000 fans watched the action and created an intimidating atmosphere for Pirates.
In a match monitored on SuperSport television channel, Banda partnered Bernard Morrison as attacking midfielders and had a good game in the first half.
But the Malawian star lost his steam in the second half and was replaced by Dennis Kibu in the 54th minute.
Shomari Kapombe scored the only goal of the match in the 68th minute after the Tanzanian champions were awarded a controversial penalty.
Pirates captian Happy Jele was adjudged to have fouled Morrison in the box. Jele protested, but replays showed he made a strong contact and felled Morrison.
There was a long video assistant referee check, but the penalty was awarded and Kapombe stepped up to send Pirates goalkeeper Richard Ofori the wrong way.
Pirates had an opportunity to take the lead after 15 minutes when Deon Hotto’s curling cross, which was heading for the top left corner, was fumbled by Aishi Manula, before the goalkeeper recovered well to snatch the ball and prevent Kwame Peprah from pouncing on it.
Pirates co-coach Mandla Ncikazi claimed after the game that the penalty should never have been awarded.
“We lost because of officials. The match officials favoured the home side,” he said.
Simba coach Franco Pablo hailed his players for the hard work and determination.
The two sides will square off in the second-leg game in South Africa on April 24.
