The only goal they scored against United Artists at the Makonde Home Defenders grounds on Sunday was good enough to see Mulodi Freedom Birds secure a place in the semi-final stage of the Tshikosi Soccer Tournament.
United Artists had nobody else to blame for the defeat as they squandered numerous scoring chances throughout the game.
It took United Artists only five minutes to realize that it was not their day. Their dribbling wizard, Elias "Seema" Ranyaoa, forced his way through the defence of Freedom Birds and caused an upset by shooting aimlessly from the edge of the box.
At one stage, Freedom Birds abandoned their positions and attacked with a lone striker, Edwin Ramphabana. The pattern helped to neutralize Artists in the middle of the park as it was difficult for them to dictate terms within the Birds' territory.
Emmanuel Neswiswi, the Artists' forward, could not believe eyes in the 34th minute. He received a beautiful pass from Seema Ranyaoa and tried his luck with a half volley from just outside the box. The ball hit the side netting and landed outside the field of play for a goal kick.
The scoreboard was still blank when the teams adjourned for half time. Freedom Birds replaced their diminutive striker, Michael Ramagalela, with Tsiko Magalela nine minutes into the last half. Magalela formed a good combination with Edwin Ramphabana in the attack.
The goal through which Freedom Birds secured a place in the semi-final stage of the tournament came in the 76th minute. Edwin Ramphabana headed home, following a scramble within the box.
Artists lost hope after they were reduced to 10 men two minutes later. Unarine Kudzingana handled the ball intentionally and the referee, Mr Lawrence Makhale, was quick to give him his marching orders.
Freedom Birds played defensive football for the remaining part of the game.
In the other match that was played at the same venue earlier that day, Sambandou United Professionals beat Vondwe XI Bullets 4-0 to book a place in the semis.