Guvhungwa United were crowned as the new champions of the PTV Muambi Soccer Tournament after beating the much-feared Mpheni Home Defenders 5-4 in a penalty shoot-out. They teams played to a 1-all draw in regulation time. The event took place at the Mashau grounds on Sunday.
The absence of the Defenders's playmakers, Eric Sefularo and Aaron Liswoga, was evident from the onset as there was no one to win and distribute balls from the middle of the park to the goal poachers. Lufuno Dzhivhuli of United was reprimanded with a card for dangerous play on Talifhani Munyai six minutes into the game.
United were the first to effect a change to their starting 11. They replaced Azwidowi Luvhengo with Ndaedzo Musekene in the 20th minute. No goal was scored during the tense first half.
United broke the deadlock in the 58th minute. Walter Mushanganyisi won the ball just behind the centre line and ran towards the right corner, from where he dished up a square pass to Tshilidzi Ramatsitsi. He beat the Defenders' keeper, Walter Nyavhani, with a ground cutter. Defenders then introduced Ndaedzo Mareda and Rendani Maise for Rudzani Mashamba and Khumbudzo Muvhango respectively.
Defenders enjoyed more ball possession, but their promising moves turned into disappointments, due to the rock-solid defence of United. The referee who was officiating the match surprised everyone when he awarded a penalty to Defenders after United's keeper and defenders collided. Dakalo Nwanamidwa equalised from the white spot.
Guvhungwa United went home with R1 500, a trophy, gold medals and new soccer kit. Mpheni Home Defenders received silver medals, a ball and new kit.
Bafanas FC and Mashau Thondoni FC each received R600 and soccer balls.