Mpheni Home Defenders strengthened their position in the MMK Administrator League when they beat Madombidzha Western Stars on Tuesday at the Mpheni grounds.
The absence of the Defenders' playmaker, Rendani Ncube, was evident from the onset as there was no one to win and distribute balls from the middle of the park to the goal poachers. Both sides played attacking football, making the match entertaining to watch.
Defenders had their first cause for regret in the fifth minute. Lucky Munyai missed a golden chance when he shot wide.
Silas Rammbona of Stars scored the only goal of his team in the 24th minute. He unleashed a powerful header from outside the box and the keeper of Defenders, Mpho Muligwa, watched in disbelief as the ball passed the goal line.
Emmanuel Mphephu initiated the second goal in the match after receiving the ball just behind the centre line. He ran towards the right corner from where he dished out a square pass to Tebogo Thangwane. Thangwane beat the Stars keeper, Zwanga Netshidzivhe, with a ground cutter to equalize.
Realizing that their chances were slim, Stars abandoned their positions and packed themselves at the far back. The halftime score was 1-1.
Stars' captain, Maanda Magoro, caused an upset when he shot aimlessly from close range early in the second half. Oscar Leaka of Stars made a blunder when he passed the ball to his opponent, Thabo Matuba of Defenders, who grabbed the opportunity to score the winning goal.