Muungamunwe Happy Boys secured a place in the next round of the Thulamela Mayoral Cup Tournament by beating Hlupheka Young Fighters 0-1 at the Tshisaulu Lwandani Sports grounds on Sunday.
The game was evenly contested, with the teams showing a great appetite for goals. Young Fighters squandered two obvious scoring chances within the first 10 minutes of the game. In both instances it was Happy Boys' keeper, Khuliso Mugivhi, who denied Fighters sure goals.
They threatened to score in the sixth minute when Stanly Rathogwa tried his luck from the 25-metre area with a half volley. Mugivhi stretched to the limit to execute a brilliant save, much to the disappointment of Fighters' fans.
As if that was not good enough to impress the team's fans, Mugivhi was in the thick of things moments thereafter. This time around he palmed Fhatuwani Nkhumeleni's half volley away for a corner kick. No goal was seen during the first half, despite the fact that the teams managed to create numerous scoring opportunities.
Young Fighters lost their original fighting spirit in the last half. That gave Happy Boys the opportunity to dictate terms within their territory.
The goal through which Happy Boys booked a place in the next round of the prestigious competition came in the 65th minute. Riamurenda Mudau headed home, following a corner kick that was taken by Tendani Tshamano.
Happy Boys fought the last 18 minutes of the game with their hands tied behind their backs. This after their left back, Ndamulelo Nesindande, saw red for obstructing Fhatuwani Nkhumeleni just outside the box. The officials and fans of Young Fighters confronted the referee, Mr Nditsheni Sadiki, angrily after the game, accusing him of favouritism.