Thohoyandou FC will not take part in the next stage of the MTG Soccer Challenge KO Competition. They were booted out by Cobra Stars, who brutally walloped them 4-1 at the Duthuni Mandalale grounds on Saturday.
As if they were hypnotized, Thohoyandou did not show any appetite for goals throughout the game. They instead continued to play defensive football as if they were leading. That prompted the Stars' defenders to reduce the playground by moving to the centre line, from where they sent dangerous passes to the strikers.
Cobra Stars opened their account in the 18th minute. Khuthadzo Mashau beat the offside trap and sent the keeper the wrong way.
Thohoyandou started to play like a united team soon afterwards, but it was only for a few moments. Their efforts gave rise to a goal by Ali Mohamed in the 29th minute. He unleashed a volley from an awkward angle. The ball hit the crossbar before bouncing across the goal line.
Ndamulelo Ravhura of Cobra Stars was warned with a card three minutes before half time. He made an ugly tackle on Thendo Masindi. Ravhura did not lose his original fighting spirit despite the yellow card. He scored his side's second goal on the stroke of half time after forcing his way through the defence of Thohoyandou.
Edwin Masindi of Thohoyandou was booked for obstruction on Livhuwani Mukosi early in the second half. Cobra Stars increased the margin through a substitute, Thendo Nwashe. He finished off a rebound after a scramble within the box.
Stars continued to enjoy dominance in all departments. They put matters beyond doubt in the 79th minute when Khuthadzo Mashau connected with Silas Nwashe's square pass.