Chikondi Magalasi

A dramatic goal in added time sparked chaotic scenes at Dedza Stadium as rookies Luanar Mitundu Baptist beat Kamuzu Barracks to secure their first win in the FDH Bank Premiership.

The match looked destined for a goalless stalemate until the 91st minute when Mitundu Baptist’s Emmanuel Chikadza was brought down in the penalty area, and the referee acted by pointing at the dreaded spot.

Chikadza stepped up to take the penalty, the Kamuzu Barracks goalkeeper Hastings Banda saved, but from the rebound, Chikadza forced the ball into the net.

Moments later the referee Luckson Chunda blew the whistle to mark the end of the match. It was that hour the drama started as suspected KB players and officials reportedly assaulted match referee Chunda, who was later whisked away by stewards.

Chunda and his officiating team were eventually taken away in an ambulance that was at the match venue.

One of the stewards who helped in escorting the referee was assaulted with multiple slaps and kicks.  Watch the video captured by Wa Ganyu Cameras  https://web.facebook.com/share/v/1EJWVDkGxr/ 

In a post-match interview, assistant Coach for the Soldiers, Joseph Chilapondwa, accused the officiating personnel of bias, claiming it greatly affected the match.

“We played very well, but we were frustrated by poor officiating. We tried to reason with the officials, but no changes were made. Ndalama season ino ziononga mpira, mutha kuona nokha,” he said.

On his part, Mitundu’s Head Coach, Oscar Kaunda, praised his players for the win, stating that they performed as instructed.

Following the victory, Mitundu has moved up to second on the log table with four points, two points behind league leaders Silver Strikers, while Kamuzu Barracks sit at the bottom with no point from two matches played.