The Thulamela Local Football Association League match between Makovha All Stars and Dumasi All Stars which was played at the Dumasi grounds on Saturday ended in a 3-3 draw. The match ended in controversy, however, as some of the players and fans of Makhovha accused the referee of favouritism.

As if they were going to win the match convincingly, Dumasi scored their opening goal in the 3rd minute. Rodney Mbengeni scored after winning a loose ball outside the penalty box. Makovha did not lose hope, despite conceding this early goal. Their equalizing goal came through Daniel Monya, who scored after a heart-stopping scramble within the box.

Makovha took the lead when Justice Maluleke tried his luck from outside the box. The ball hit the woodwork and bounced across the goal line. The visiting side added another tick on the scored board when Goodman Hlungwani beat the offside trap and scored easily, making the half-time score 3-1.

Justice Maluleke of Makovha was cautioned with a card for a late tackle on Petrus Munyai. Mashudu Muthabeni scored the second goal for Dumasi seven minutes into the last half. Shortly thereafter, the captain of Makovha, Azwifaneli Nethonzhe, was given his marching orders for swearing at the referee.

Dumasi continued to dictate the terms after the incident. They found the equalizer in the 74th minute. Rodney Mbengeni scored after beating the offside trap.

The players of Makovha, together with fans and officials, confronted the referee, Shumani Mudau, angrily accusing him of favouritism. They argued that the goal was scored from an offside position, but the referee stood by his decision. The situation took an ugly turn when one of the players, Daniel Monyai, hit the referee with a fist on the forehead. The fans joined the struggle and, in the process, the referee was doused with traditional sorgum beer (mahafhe).

The situation came back to normal and the players of Makovha agreed to continue with the game. The referee gave Daniel Monyai his marching orders for hitting him, before the game restarted. Dumasi failed to score again,despite the fact that Makhovha were two men down.