MTN8 Final Drama: Former PSL Referee Questions Sundowns’ Winning Penalty
- A controversial late penalty in the MTN8 final has reignited debate over a crucial refereeing decision that helped shape the dramatic finish
- Former PSL referee Victor Hlungwani has explained why he believes a key moment in the penalty incident deserves closer scrutiny
- Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns battled for major silverware, but a disputed late call has added another twist to the final's aftermath
- A football coach has called for greater consistency in refereeing decisions following controversy over both penalties in the MTN8 final
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Orlando Pirates have been left with fresh questions about a controversial penalty awarded to Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8 final, after former Premier Soccer League (PSL) referee Victor Hlungwani questioned the decision. His analysis has added another dimension to the debate surrounding the match official’s handling of the incident.
Sundowns beat Pirates 2-0 at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Saturday, 10 October 2026. Teboho Mokoena scored before Iqraam Rayners converted a stoppage-time penalty to seal the victory.
Victor Hlungwani questions MTN8 final penalty
Speaking on SoccerZone, Hlungwani argued that an earlier infringement should have been penalised before the incident that resulted in the spot-kick.
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“We see Mokobodi falling down and a penalty is given,” Hlungwani said, according to KickOff.
He then explained his interpretation of the sequence, saying:
“When we go step by step, we see that Ndlovu is holding [Mokobodi]. Okay, holding him as no impact, fine.
“Then what does he do? He stamps on him as he is trying to move, even on the hand.”
Hlungwani added that the referee should have stopped play when the alleged infringement occurred.
“So an offence has been committed already, where the referee should have killed it there,” he said.
Abongile Tom faces scrutiny over Sundowns decision
Hlungwani concluded that the penalty should not have been awarded in the circumstances.
“You can’t stamp on someone's hand. So here a penalty was given, an incorrect decision,” he said.
His assessment reflects his interpretation of the incident and, on its own, does not establish an official finding of refereeing misconduct.
Speaking to Briefly News, football coach Tongai Matara commented on the penalties, saying:
"The biggest issue for me is consistency. Both penalty decisions needed to be judged by the same standards. Referees must apply the rules consistently, regardless of which team is involved. In a final of this magnitude, getting the big decisions right is crucial."
Sundowns celebrate as Pirates miss out
The victory secured Sundowns their second MTN8 trophy in the PSL era, while Pirates missed the opportunity to claim a fifth consecutive title.
Although the late penalty became a major talking point, Pirates were already trailing when it was awarded. The controversy is likely to remain part of the discussion surrounding a final that ended with Sundowns lifting the trophy.
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Junior Khanye questions both MTN8 final penalty decisions
Briefly News also reported that Junior Khanye questioned referee Abongile Tom’s two penalty decisions during the MTN8 final between Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns on Saturday, 10 October 2026.
The iDiski TV analyst raised concerns about both incidents, adding another dimension to the debate surrounding Sundowns’ 2-0 victory. His comments also raised questions about whether the first penalty influenced the referee’s subsequent decision.
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Source: Briefly News
