Mpheni Home Defenders beat the youthful Tshakhuma RO Nandilani 2-0 in the semi-finals of Vhembe Mayoral Cup at Rabali Stadium on Sunday.
Defenders took the game to their opponents from the onset, giving the defenders of RO no time to breathe. Emmanuel Mphephu of Defenders was a marvel to watch and he performed spectacularly. RO were chasing the action from the first whistle.
It took Defenders only seven minutes to knock on RO's door. Lucky Munyai dished a pre-cooked pass to Rendani Ncube, who moved a few steps forward before unleashing a half volley that beat the opponent's keeper, Fhulufhelo Nemusumani, hands down. Lufuno Mugodi of RO should have equalised, but his shot was palmed away by keeper Calron Munyai.
RO abused countless scoring opportunities. Ndivhuwo Nevari unleashed prematurely, instead of moving a few steps towards the keeper. Isaac Makhuvha of Defenders unleashed a power shot from a distance to score the second goal of his team.
The half-time score was 2-0 in favour of Defenders. The diminutive referee, Olani Kwinda, flashed the first yellow card in the 64th minute. Paron Sithole of RO tackled Shaft Mafunisa the rough way and Kwinda immediately produced yellow.