Vhutalu Mountain Rangers came back from a half-time 0-1 deficit to beat Thenzheni Liverpool 2-1 in the final of the NJ Munyamela Soccer Challenge at the Muhuyu XI Experience grounds on Sunday.
Liverpool approached the game aggressively, with their midfielders dishing out telling passes to the goal poachers. They squandered three scoring opportunities within the first 15 minutes. Lucky Ramulifho received a neat pass from Rabelani Nephawe and shot wide from the right corner. Zwondina Matidze committed a similar blunder two minutes later.
Makonde Khangale of Mountain Rangers was booked for dangerous play in the 28th minute. Liverpool took the lead in the 37th minute. Rotondwa Managa finished off a rebound, following a mix-up within the box. Mountain Rangers started to frustrate their opponents by playing aerial balls from behind.
Their captain, Sharlen Munyamela, denied Liverpool two sure goals in the 49th and 54th minute respectively. Munyamela cleared the ball from the goal line, much to the disappointment of the Liverpool fans.
Things turned against Liverpool in the 64th minute. They were reduced to 10 men after their central defender, Vhudzani Managa, was given his marching orders. He ignored the whistle and kicked the ball long after the whistle had been blown for an infringement. The red card was a blessing to Mountain Rangers. They found the equalizer six minutes after the incident. Tshilisanani Phalanndwa was on target with a long-range volley.
Liverpool started to play defensive football after realizing that it was difficult for them to break the Rangers' wall. Carlson Sidini caught the keeper off guard and scored the winner seven minutes before the final whistle.