Mighty Heroes lose 2–0 to Diepsloot Arsenal in controversial regional league clash
Mighty Heroes suffers a 2-0 defeat against Diepsloot Arsenal in a clash marked by missed chances and referee controversy.
Mighty Heroes missed a crucial opportunity to improve their standing after suffering a 2–0 defeat against Diepsloot Arsenal in their controversial SAFA Johannesburg Hollywoodbets Regional League fixture at Alexandra Stadium on Sunday.
The clash was marked by missed opportunities from both sides and controversial referee decisions.
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In the first half, both had equal chances, with each side pressing forward and attempting to score. Despite the fierce battle for an early lead, the first half ended goalless, after the referee’s whistle closed an intense opening period.
In the second half, Mighty Heroes carved out opportunities to break the deadlock. At one point, Tshiamo Makola attempted a daring strike from the far-right wing, but Diepsloot goalkeeper Clement Ngobeni remained alert to deny him.
Diepsloot, however, created even more chances. Andile Kubeka set up David Mudau with a stellar pass, but Mudau pushed the ball too far despite being one-on-one with the keeper. Their attacking lapses and Mighty Heroes’ defence continued to frustrate Diepsloot’s frontline.
Assistant coach Lebogang Mosia admitted his side should have scored more goals. “We should have scored three goals, but we didn’t. That gave us an idea that something is wrong with our front line because they were not converting all those chances.”
He explained that this led to the decision to substitute all three forwards in the second half. “The guys who came in created chances, and we managed to score.”
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Eventually, Mudau broke the deadlock with a contested goal that Mighty Heroes argued should have been flagged offside. He later doubled the lead from the penalty spot, another controversial decision that Mighty Heroes lamented.
Mighty Heroes coach Reggie Baloyi argued that the foul was clearly out of their penalty area and should have been a free kick, instead of a penalty. “The decisions killed us with both goals. The first goal was a clear offside, and the second foul was outside the box – it should have been a free kick. Even the captain was showing the referee where the foul was.”
Baloyi added that, while they accept the result, the officiating left his side feeling aggrieved.
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