Downs edge out Chiefs in controversial penalty shoot-out
Replays suggested that the ball had crossed the line by the time Khune made the second save but the linesman thought otherwise.
Mamelodi Sundowns are through to the semi-finals of the MTN 8 following a tense win against Kaizer Chiefs at the Lucas Moripe stadium in Atteridgeville on Sunday.
The match finished 2-2 after extra-time and was decided on penalties where Downs won 2-1 thanks to goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene’s heroics.
The penalty shoot-out however, was full of drama after the fourth spot-kick by Lyle Lakay was adjudged to have been kept out by Chiefs keeper Itumeleng Khune.
Television replays suggested that the ball had crossed the line by the time Khune made the second save, meaning Lakay’s penalty should have been counted.
The decision angered the Sundowns bench which ultimately saw the referee send goalkeeper coach Wendell Robinson to the stands for his reaction.
The save did not prove to be costly as Chiefs missed four of their five spot-kicks to lose the shootout 2-1.
After the match, Downs keeper Mweene, who saved four penalties from Chiefs, said the ball did cross the line.
“No, he took it from the net, I was even telling him, ‘Wait until you watch [the replay], then you’ll see what I’m talking about’,” Mweene told SuperSport.
Despite the controversy, Downs were very content with the win and move on to face Golden Arrows in the semis.
Here's Itumeleng Khune's penalty save in the shootout that everyone's talking about, with the ball having crossed the line, which ultimately led to a red card for Sundowns coach Wendell Robinson.#MTN8 pic.twitter.com/uSonnSKGZG
— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) August 15, 2021
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