In their opening match of the Tshikosi Off-season Soccer Tournament at the Khubvi Benjies grounds on Sunday, Folovhodwe Stone Breakers narrowly beat Mulodi Young Santos 1-0 to secure a place in the quarterfinals.
The game was characterized by wasted scoring opportunities. Young Santos were the first to miss a fortune. Their fast forward, Rendani Mavunga, hesitated to unleash for far too long just outside the box and ultimately lost possession. This after he had received a neat pass from Mashudu Mudau.
As if that was not good enough to upset the team's fans, Andani Phalanndwa committed a similar blunder moments thereafter. Stone Breakers took the game to Santos soon afterwards. They managed to create three obvious chances before the teams adjourned for half time. In the first instance, their right winger, Hulisani Nefolovhodwe, shot wide from close range, following a square pass from Lawrence Ramasimu in the 34th minute.
Santos played defensive football in the last 15 minutes of the last half. At that stage, Breakers were all over them. Stone Breakers effected two changes to their starting line-up early in the last half. They replaced Willy Ramokgobedi and Tshifhiwa Netshiavha with Khathutshelo Ratshiedana and Zwivhuya Netshiavha respectively. Santos threatened to score in the 67th minute when Andani Phalanndwa's volley hit the woodwork and bounced back into the field of play.
Breakers were awarded a penalty in the 75th minute after Rendani Mavunga handled the ball within the box. Khumbelo Luambo tried his luck from the penalty spot, but the Santos keeper executed a brilliant save. Stone Breakers' all-important goal came via Hulisani Nefolovhodwe in the 86th minute. He headed home, following a square pass from Mukovhe Thomani.