Was Peter Shalulile's goal against Sekhukhune United rightly ruled out? Former PSL referee Victor Hlungwani explains despite fierce protests from Mamelodi Sundowns' coach Miguel Cardoso

Former Premier Soccer League (PSL) referee Victor Hlungwani has explained that Peter Shalulile's goal against Sekhukhune United was rightfully dismissed by the official.

Mamelodi Sundowns thought they had grabbed a late winning goal at Loftus Versfeld last Friday in the Nedbank Cup quarter-final match, only for Shalulile's goal to be ruled offside.

In the post-match interview, Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso complained and slammed the referee for disallowing the goal scored by his Namibian striker.

However, by pointing out the exact moment and situation when Shalulile scored, Hlungwani has stated the call was correct.

“Coach Cardoso was crying, saying this goal was ruled offside incorrectly. Let’s go, coach, and dissect this one together to see if Shalulile was in an offside position or not,” Hlungwani said as per iDiski Times.

“Offside is when a player is nearer to his opponent’s goal line than both the ball and second-last opponent. So, we’ll see here when we draw the line if there is any part of Shalulile nearer to the opponent’s goal line.

“If you look at it there when the cross was made, you’ll see the white socks. That white sock is above anyone. It’s closer to the goal line. So, that white socks, it’s in an offside position even playing the ball, therefore offside," he added.

“So, Coach Cardoso, the problem is the white socks. So, that white socks declared this offside. Romario Phiri [referee], correct decision by Romario Phiri to flag for offside because Shalulile was nearer to his opposition’s goal line than both the ball and the second-last opponent," Hlungwani concluded.

Finally, the Brazilians found a way past Sekhukhune United deep into extra time when Jayden Adams struck in the 119th minute.

This meant that they will face Kaizer Chiefs in the semi-final, and are hoping to go all the way and dethrone the reigning champions, Orlando Pirates.

The Tshwane giants are in contention for three major titles: the PSL, the Caf Champions League, and the Nedbank Cup.

They are leading by a 15-point gap in the league title race while they face Esperance of Tunisia in the Champions League's quarter-final date.

With their PSL game against Stellenbosch reportedly postponed, this will give Sundowns ample time to prepare for the return leg duel against Esperance.

They will be hosted by their continental rivals on April 8 in Tunis.