Tshaulu Hungry Lions fought hard for their 5-4 victory over Nnduvheni FC in their quarterfinal match of the Boy Nemakonde KO Competition at the Tshifudi Stadium on Saturday.
Nnduvheni took the game to their opponents from the first whistle, with their midfielders demonstrating a spirit of commitment by dishing out telling passes to the frontrunners from time to time. They could have sealed the game within the first 10 minutes of the game, but their strikers were not lucky enough to convert their obvious chances into goals.
Nnduvheni were the first to find the net. Their skillful fast forward, Funanani Matshikiri, hooked in the ball after a scramble within the box. The youthful Hungry Lions started to display defensive football after conceding the goal. They did not get far with this practice as their coach was heard instructing them to take the game to their opponents.
Hungry Lions were awarded a free kick in the 25-meter area, seven minutes before half time. Isaac Sigidane beat the keeper with a ground cutter from the free kick.
Just like the first half, the second half was characterized by wasted scoring opportunities. Maanda Netshamahala of Hungry Lions tried his luck from the edge of the box with a half volley in the 57th minute. The ball missed the target by inches, much to the fans' disappointment. Liberty Ndou of Nnduvheni was unlucky three minutes later. His volley hit the woodwork and landed outside the field of play for a goal kick.
The winner was determined through penalty shootout as the score was still 1-1 at the end of the regulation time. Hungry Lions converted four of their chances via Ndifelani Matodzi, Vhonani Mbedzi, Khumbudzo Khalushi and Isaac Sigidane, while Nnduvheni scored three from the white spot.