Highlanders 1-0 FC Victoria
(match abandoned after 38 minutes)
HIGHLANDERS have been involved in a second abandoned match in as many weeks after visiting FC Victoria walked off the pitch in the first half of their league match at Barbourfields on Wednesday to protest the awarding of a penalty to the home team.
Highlanders led through a 17th minute strike by Protasho Kabwe when they were awarded a penalty eight minutes before half-time – referee Nkosana Nduna ruling that Takunda Mapara had been tripped in the box by Stephen Sheshe.
FC Victoria players walked off the pitch in protest, and never returned – forcing the referee to call off the match after 15 minutes of waiting for the Masvingo club to return to the pitch.
Nobioth Magwizi, Victoria’s club chairman, claimed he was attacked by Highlanders supporters during the stand-off.
The ugly scenes follow last week’s skirmishes which saw Highlanders’ BancABC Sup8r clash with bitter rivals Dynamos abandoned at the same venue – after both teams walked off the pitch at different times protesting against poor officiating. The PSL is investigating the incident, with both clubs facing massive fines.
Simplicio Gwanoya, the match commissioner for Wednesday’s abandoned clash, said he would submit a report to the Premier Soccer League. The PSL will also consider a report from the referee before deciding what action to take.
TEAMS
Highlanders: A Sibanda, B Dube, B Choto, P Kabwe, F Kanda, R Kutsanzira, G Lunga, T Mapara, I Mapuranga, B Ndlovu, J Ngodzo
FC Victoria: D Murinye, E Mawine, P Makuvise, W Mukanga, M Mucheni, H Ziso, T Mzuze, P Chagara, S Sheshe, P Sinamai, J Chekecheke