Mamelodi Sundowns vs Young Africans: VAR Expert Explains Why Yanga Goal Was Ruled Out

• Mamelodi Sundowns vs Young Africans ended in controversy after Aziz Ki's strike was ruled out
• After both legs had ended scoreless, the fixture was decided by penalties with Sundowns progressing
• A VAR expert has explained why the match referee did not award the goal by Aziz Ki

A former FIFA referee and Video Assistant Referee (VAR) official, Jerome Damon, has aired his opinion on why Young Africans’ goal against Mamelodi Sundowns was ruled out.

Aziz Ki thought he had scored the all important goal when his 59th minute effort appeared to have crossed the line, but the goal was ruled out.

The striker's shot came off the crossbar, dropped behind the goal line and then out, but referee cut shot Yanga SC player's celebrations.

After a lengthy review from the VAR position, referee signalled play on, suggesting that the ball did not cross the line.

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Yanga SC coach Manuel Gamondi was left fuming during the post-match conference, claiming his side was robbed.

Tanzanian fans have also expressed anger over the decision, with many blaming the match referee and VAR officials.

Reacting to the situation, VAR expert Damon said, as per iDiski Times:

“Without GLT (Goal line technology) it’s impossible for VAR to say goal or no goal – one can speculate either way but cannot be 100% sure.

“The question VAR asks: is onfield decision obviously wrong? With the evidence… not obviously wrong so [the] onfield decision stands – no goal.”

After a goalless draw from both legs, the fixture was decided by penalties and then Sundowns went on to win 3-2, with Ronwen Williams making two crucial saves.

Grant Margeman speaks on Sundown's exit

Sports Brief earlier reported that Bafana Bafana midfielder, Grant Margeman, shared his experience of leaving Mamelodi Sundowns after returning from a loan stint with SuperSport United.

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Margeman, who joined Matsatsantsa permanently before the 2023/24 DStv Premiership season, had previously spent a loan spell with the club during the 2022/23 campaign.

The 25-year-old signed with Sundowns in 2020 from Ajax Cape Town, but his time with the club was frustrated, making only three appearances before being loaned out to Moroka Swallows.