Simplex Nthala red-carded in Mozambique

Former Flames goalkeeper Simplex Nthala was red-carded when  his table-topping Maxaquene lost 1-0 away to Ferroviario de Nacala in a top-flight Mocambola League match in Mozambique on Saturday.

The loss denied the former Mighty Wanderers glove-man a record 10th clean slate in 14 games.

Understandably, he was mad at the referee leading to his punishment, he confirmed in a telephone interview.

“It is my first red-card in my career. I argued with the referee for awarding Nacala a goal, which I felt was dubious as the Nacala striker scored using a hand,” he said.

Nthala has let in four league goals only this season.

Despite the third defeat of the season, Maxaquene remain two points clear with a game in hand on 27 points from 13 games ahead of second-positioned Costa do Sol.

Featuring Chimango Kaira, Costa do Sol beat Liga Desportiva de Maputo 1-0 on Saturday in a Maputo derby to make it 14 matches and 25 points. Liga have 22 points while lying third.

Malawian striker Zicco Mkanda did not feature for Liga as he was serving a yellow card suspension.

Ferroviario Quelimane anchor the table on nine points from 14 games.