Confirmed: Dondol Stars Were Robbed of a Penalty Against Orlando Pirates in Nedbank Cup

• There was a moment of huge controversy during the Nedbank Cup quarterfinal between Dondol Stars and Orlando Pirates last Saturday
• Dondol Stars' Tebogo Makungo was clearly brought down in the box by Pirates defender Paseka Mako in the box
• However, referee Akhona Makalima waved away the ABC Motsepe Championship team's appeals, causing much anger and debate

During the Nedbank Cup quarterfinal between Dondol Stars and Orlando Pirates at the Peter Mokaba Stadium last Saturday, an obvious penalty was not given.

Tebogo Makungo was clearly fouled by Pirates defender Paseka Mako in the penalty area. Controversially, referee Akhona Makalima did not give the decision and said the game must continue, something that caused a stir in football circles across South Africa.

Speaking on SuperSport's Extra Time, a convinced Bongani Khumalo said:

"Yes, it wasn't given. Generally, that is a foul. Mako gets enticed, but before he can get his foot there, Makungo draws the contact. In many cases, this is a foul."

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His colleague Phumudzo Manenzhe added:

"Penalty all day! The key is: is Makungo in control of the ball? The answer is yes. Mako gets to the man and not the ball. You have to question the force that Mako makes with the opponent. Makungo was not on his way down... Mako does not get the ball, but he gets the man in the box. It's a foul, and a foul should be a penalty."

Mako's spying criticised

Mako was a busy man during this absorbing encounter, as was reported by Sports Brief.

He was seen spying on Stars during one of their team huddles in a water break.

His actions were criticised by former FIFA referee Ace 'VAR' Ncobo.