Ace 'Mr Spot On' Ncobo: Ball Was in the Field of Play in Monnapule Saleng Assist for Kermit Erasmus Goal

Ace 'Mr Spot On' Ncobo: Ball Was in the Field of Play in Monnapule Saleng Assist for Kermit Erasmus Goal

Keba Mothoagae
updated at April 12, 2023 at 8:15 PM
In this article:
South Africa Premier Soccer League logo
ZA Premier League
South Africa
  • The matter has been settled about Orlando Pirates' opening goal against Mamelodi Sundowns on Saturday
  • Monnapule Saleng assisted for Kermit Erasmus header that opened the floodgates in a 3-0 for the Buccaneers
  • There was a debate about whether the electrifying Saleng kept the ball in play, but Mr Spot On made it very clear how correct the decision was

The case has been closed regarding one of Orlando Pirates' goals in the 3-0 MTN8 semifinal second-leg win against Mamelodi Sundowns at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.

Monnapule Saleng skinned Aubrey Modibe on the by-line, before feeding Kermit Erasmus the simplest of headers to open the scoring. There was controversy regarding whether Saleng had kept the ball in play or not.

monnapule saleng, kermit erasmus, spot on, andile 'ace' ncobo, mamelodi sundowns, orlando pirates, goal
The facts don't lie regarding Orlando Pirates' goal against Mamelodi Sundowns. Image source: SuperSport screenshot.
Source: UGC

SuperSport pundit Andile 'Ace' Ncobo, speaking on Extra Time show, said:

"The entire circumference of the ball must go over the line in order for the ball to be out. If there is a tiny fraction of the ball that is still on top of the line, that ball is in play. There must be daylight between the ball and the line for the ball to be out of play.

Exciting feature: Check out news exactly for YOU ➡️ find "Recommended for you" block and enjoy!

The moment Saleng touched that ball to keep it in play, there was at least 25% of the circumference of the ball that was on the line. If it is on the line it means that it is inside the field of play because the line forms part of the field of play. There was nothing wrong done by the assistant referee there. Spot-on decision to communicate with the referee that the ball is still inside the field of play, and therefore, can be played for Kermit Erasmus to nod it home."

Mamelodi Sundowns 0:3 Orlando Pirates: Monnapule Saleng was not out for Kermit Erasmus goal

Orlando Pirates is on cloud nine

. The Buccaneers hammered Mamelodi Sundowns 3-0 in the second leg of the MTN8 semifinal at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.

A double from Monnapule Saleng as well as a solitary one from Kermit Erasmus ensured that Pirates went safely into the final of the competition, as reported by Sports Brief. There has been a debate about the validity of Erasmus' goal in the eighth minute of the match. The red-hot Saleng made mincemeat of Aubrey Modiba on the goal-line of Sundowns' box before feeding the former Brazilians' striker with the easiest of crosses to head in.

It appeared that the ball was out when Saleng controlled to keep it in play.

Authors
Keba Mothoagae photo
Keba Mothoagae
Editor- Local Desk
Tags
DStv PremiershipSouth Africa