Shadani Dangerous Scorpions lifted the MTG Soccer Challenge trophy on Thursday by beating Makonde FC 5-4 in the final at the Makonde Home Defenders grounds.
Makonde, or The Brazilians as they are also known, made their intentions clear from the onset, with their strikers, Vhutshilo Nyamande and Masala Nethathe, making life difficult for the defenders of Scorpions. Makonde nearly broke the deadlock nine minutes into the game. Vhutshilo Nyamande could not believe his eyes when his volley missed the target by inches.
The Brazilians took the lead in the 24th minute. They were awarded a free kick in the 25-meter area. Nyamande beat the keeper with a half volley from the free kick. A few minutes later, Maanda Luvhengo of Scorpions was booked for a late tackle on Mpho Ravhutsi. Another Scorpions' player, Ronewa Tshibalanganda, was reprimanded with a card for dangerous play seven minutes into the last stanza.
Dangerous Scoprions did not lose hope, despite the fact that time was fast running out for them. Their midfielders dished out some telling passes to the strikers and their patience paid dividends in the 78th minute, when a defender of Makonde handled the ball within his own penalty box. Referee Eric Munyai awarded a penalty to Scorpions. Fhulufhelo Phaswa converted from the penalty spot to bring the full-time score to 1-1.
The winner was determined through penalty shoot-out. Dangerous Scorpions converted four of their five chances through Rotondwa Mutsivhuli, Unarine Rambuda, Rophuluswa Mauvhelwana and Fhulufhelo Phaswa, while Makonde scored three.