Rachael Kaphaizi

Chitoliro Heroines coach Griffin Spencer has expressed frustration with the officiating after his side lost 2-1 to defending champions Silver Strikers Ladies in the NBM Women’s Premiership at Silver Stadium on Saturday.

Spencer questioned the decision to allow Silver’s winning goal in the fifth minute of added time, which he believed was scored from an offside position.

Chitoliro had levelled the scores through Rachael Matemba in the 70th minute after Silver took the lead through Caroline Mathyola in the 40th minute. However, Ireen Khumalo struck in the added time to hand Silver all three points.

Spencer said the officiating decision affected his players’ momentum.

Despite the defeat, he praised his players for their display against the defending champions, saying they showed a marked response after losing their opening match.

“My girls did very well today. I didn’t expect that they would play the way they have played today. They played very well,” said Spencer.

He said the team had worked on areas where they failed to penetrate in their opening match against Bullets Women’s and were able to improve against Silver.

For Silver coach Shadreck Chikhosi, the three points were more important despite admitting that his side failed to produce a performance befitting champions.

The victory gives Silver Strikers Ladies six points from two matches as they continue their title defence.

In another Week Two match, MDF Lioness beat Kukoma Ntopwa Women 2-1 at Mpira Stadium. Mary Chindey gave Kukoma Ntopwa the lead in the 22nd minute before Asimenye Simwaka scored in the 39th and 55th minutes to complete the comeback.