Khubvi Dangerous Darkies scraped through to the semi-final stage of the Mulindavhathu Soccer Challenge by beating Mutshenzheni Gorillas 4-3 at the Khubvi Benjies Grounds on Sunday.
The game was evenly contested, and Darkies came close to scoring seven minutes into the game. Their lethal striker, Zwivhuya Sikhwari, received a beautiful pass from Mukhethwa Ramakhomisa just outside the box and hesitated for far too long to unleash and ultimately lost possession.
The incident seemed to be a wake-up call for the Gorillas. They regrouped from behind, making sure that their midfielders were well positioned. Alufhiwi Ramashia, the Gorillas' midfielder, forced his way through the defence of Darkies but lost possession before he could unleash from inside the box.
Mashudu Raedani of Darkies was the first player to go into the referee's book. He tackled Lusani Randima from behind.
Darkies introduced two players early in the last half, but that did not change the complexion of the game. Tsiko Negondeni of Darkies, who came on as a substitute for Nthambeleni Phidane, was booked with a card for a late tackle on Takalani Nenguda.
The game turned lukewarm in the last 10 minutes as the teams played defensive football. The winner was determined through penalty shootout as the full-time score was 0-0. Darkies converted four of their chances through Tsiko Negondeni, Thingivhone Netshishivhe, Mashudu raedane and Maanda Munyai, while Gorillas managed to convert only three of their five chances.