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Fungayi Munyoro Mutare Correspondent
THE ZIFA Eastern Region Division One match pitting log leaders Mutare City Rovers and Gutu FC was abandoned after the Eastern Highlands side were awarded a penalty in the 85th minute. The match, played in Gutu, saw the home players walking off the pitch in protest over the decision by the referee to award the visitors a late penalty. ZIFA Eastern Region secretary-general Wisdom Simba said they were still awaiting letters from all the parties involved for them to come up with a determination.

“We just heard about that incident, but we have not yet received official communication from the referees, Gutu FC and Mutare City Rovers.

“We just heard that the match was abandoned, but we do not have all the details. When we receive all the necessary paperwork, we might decide to call for a meeting with all the parties involved then we chart the way forward. We will furnish you will all the details once we have them,” he said.

Mutare City Rovers player, Honest Moyo, was brought down in the box after 85 minutes of play when the score line was 1-1. Gutu FC players walked off the pitch when the referee awarded the visitors a penalty.

Mutare City Rovers players and the referees stayed on the field of play until 90 minutes. Rovers coach, Kennedy ‘Bokande’ Kachara, said they would continue focusing on their team than worry about other teams.

He also believes his side had what it takes to gain promotion.

“We are only focusing on ourselves not any other teams. We played Gutu on Sunday. We were afraid of them because they beat us 2-1 when they came here. “It was a different game altogether. We are now waiting to hear from ZIFA and we are ready for any outcome.

In other matches, Tenax FC beat Mucheke Pirates 1-0. Buffaloes won 1-0 against Mutoko FC while Africa Trust beat Melfort 1-0. Mukanya Bullets went down Surrey 2-4. Mwenezana won 2-0 against Black Eagles.