The final match of the Musona Soccer Challenge between Tshikhwani Stone Breakers and Legendary FC was not played to completion. The match took place at the Madombidzha Grounds on Sunday, with Breakers leading by one goal at the time of the abandonment.
The game was closely contested, and signs of rivalry were evident from the beginning. Legendary FC missed several chances in the opening minutes, while Tshikhwani Stone Breakers dominated the midfield.
In the 46th minute, Doctor Ratshibayi of Stars came on as a substitute and shortly after his introduction, he was warned for kicking the Legendary goalkeeper. Referee Hendricks Muhovhekanyi quickly issued a yellow card. The scoreboard remained blank as the teams went into half time.
Stars approached the second half with more confidence, and their fortunes changed in the 55th minute when they were awarded a penalty. Takalani Mulaudzi successfully converted the penalty kick.
Shortly after the goal, an incident occurred in the box when the Breakers' goalkeeper, Dennis Ndou, was obstructed during a scramble. The referee blew the whistle to protect the goalkeeper, and a verbal altercation ensued between an official of Legendary and the fourth match official, Mr Khathutshelo Musiamo. The match was stopped for two minutes.
With 27 minutes remaining in the match, it had to be abandoned because of an alleged assault on the match referee, Mr Muhovhekanyi, by an official of Legendary.
The officiating referees declared Tshikhwani Stone Breakers as the champions and awarded them the prize money of R8,000, a trophy, gold medals, and a soccer kit. Legendary FC received R3,000 and silver medals.