Nzhelele All Nations came back from a 0-3 deficit to hold their opponents, Vhulaudzi Fire Boys, to 3-all draw in the final of the winter tournament at the Tshiozwi Grounds on Sunday. Nations were eventually crowned as the champions by winning the penalty shoot-out. The final score was 8-7.
Fire Boys have only themselves to blame for the defeat. They abused countless scoring opportunities. Joe Sebola, in the first instance, unleashed prematurely instead of moving a few steps towards the keeper.
The Nzhelele valley team should have scored in the 8th minute, but their kingpin, Vuledzani Mahosi, shot wide with only the keeper to beat.
Takalani Nemaorani of Fire Boys found the net after a rebound in the 12th minute.
David Kholopha of Fire Boys went into the referee´s book for the intentional handling of the ball and the referee awarded a free kick. Fire Boys´ keeper, Thendo Thukhutha, had to stretch to the limit to save Ndivhuwo Havhi´s volley.
Judas Mavhungu increased the scoreline in the 49th minute. He received a square pass from Fhatuwani Simeli and blasted in a ground cutter from close range. Todiseni Mamafha scored his team´s third goal after he finished off a cross from Lucky Sebola, blasting it in after a scramble for the ball.
The Nzhelele lads realized that it would be difficult to find the net if they continued volleying from behind and then started to cool the ball down in the middle of the park. They were reward with a goal in the 62nd minute via Vuledzani Mahosi.
Nations should have added another goal in the 64th minute, but their demon striker, Rofhiwa Ntsieni missed the chance. Nation scored their second goal in the 82nd minute through Humbulani Nembidzane. Vuledzani Mahosi complete his brace and the third goal of his team to equalise in the dying minutes.