‘It’s very clear it was a penalty’: Chiefs coach Ntseki feels robbed by ref

Kaizer Chiefs coach Molefi Ntseki feels his side did more than enough to book their spot in the MTN8 final and that referee Luxolo Badi’s hotly contested late penalty decision robbed Amakhosi of that outcome against Mamelodi Sundowns.   

Chiefs’ mission to end their eight-season trophy drought was prolonged when they suffered a 2-1 second leg defeat in the second leg of their semifinal against Downs at Lucas Moripe Stadium in Pretoria on Saturday, making for a slender 3-2 aggregate defeat.

Sundowns striker Peter Shalulile scored a first-half brace (first minute and fourth minute of added time) while Ashley Du Preez’s 34th-minute penalty turned out to be just a consolation for the Glamour Boys.   

But Amakhosi were denied what appeared a clear penalty in the dying minutes of the game by Badi.

Mduduzi Mdantsane was kicked from behind by Sundowns’ Thapelo Maseko in Masandawana’s box, in full view of Badi and his assistant but the officials did not act.

A late goal by Chiefs would have seen them proceed on the away goals rule.

“I think we are all aware that we were supposed to be given a penalty and that penalty was to be a 2-2 [away] score,” Ntseki said.   

“Towards the end of the game we had so many corner kicks, and when you are getting corner kicks it means you are putting pressure on the opponents.   

“In terms of us not doing enough towards the end of the game, I don’t agree. I think we did more than enough, even to get a penalty, which was not given.

“And it’s very clear it was a penalty because the tackle came from behind and the referee didn’t give it.”   

Ntseki said another big setback for Chiefs was that they conceded both goals in the first half.

The first one after just 10 seconds was due to a major howler by Chiefs goalkeeper Brandon Petersen, who was dispossessed by Shalulile to score.   

“I would say the unfortunate part is that we conceded both goals in the first half and at halftime you don’t have much time to talk about what happened in the first half,” Ntseki said.   

“It’s important in games like this, when you look at the calibre of the game, to look at the positives.   

“Yes, we observed what happened, but we didn’t dwell much on it. What was important was what we did when we were in possession.”   

Chiefs turn their focus back to the DStv Premiership when they host Sekhukhune United at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Wednesday (7.30pm).