Masters FC coach Peter ‘Mjojo’ Mponda yesterday was shown a red card as his side lost 1-0 to his former team FCB Nyasa Bullets at Mpira Stadium in Chiwembe Township, Blantyre.
In the 83rd minute, Mponda lost his cool in the heat of the moment as he yelled at the match officials, accusing them of biased officiation towards Bullets, a firm line that led the referee to send him out for an early shower.
As he made his way out, Bullets fans jeered at their club legend, who appeared not amused.
The lone goal came in the 55th minute through a penalty awarded after Masters midfielder Damian Kunje was adjudged to have handled the ball in the box amid fierce protests from Mponda and his backroom staff on the touchline. They apparently felt it was a soft call.
Up stepped Ephraim Kondowe to convert the spot kick with ease.
challenges Masters’ Precious
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The defeat was the third on the trot for the Lilongwe-based side, who slipped a place down to seventh. They have 12 points from eight matches.
On the other hand, the People’s Team moved up two places to third.
They have 16 points just like second-placed Blue Eagles, but are separated by goal difference.
In a post-match interview, Mponda said he was “very disappointed” with officiation.
“The match officials were not objective. It was very frustrating. That goal was a gift. This hurts so muich,” he said.
On the other hand, Bullets coach Wedson Nyirenda said they created many chances, but failed to make them count.
He said: “It’s not easy when you set the bar high because opposing teams come hard on you. We are creating chances, but we have to work on finishing. We have very good strikers, but we need to work on their confidence.”
