Maweja Takers enhanced their chances of playing in the final of the Amos Charity Cup Soccer Tournament by beating Tshakhumanandilani FC 2-1 at the packed Mulangaphuma Stadium on Sunday.
Tshakhumanandilani committed suicide by playing aerial balls from behind while it was clear that their opponents had a height advantage.
The referee, Mr Calvin Nemavhola, flashed the first yellow card in the 11th minute. Mukandangalwo Ramunana of Takers obstructed Tsepo Ndou and the Tshilamba whistleman wasted no time before flashing yellow. Takers threatened to score in the 19th minute, but their killer-striker, Décor Ramunana, shot aimlessly from the edge of the box.
The keeper of Tshakhumanandilani, Ashley Mphephu, was booked before the teams adjourned for half time. He handled the ball outside the penalty area.
Takers were the first to celebrate. The former Basel FC midfielder, Shonisani Rambebu, caught the keeper napping with a ground cutter after a scramble within the box.
Both sides used all their substitution chances in the last half. The cleverest move of Maweja was the replacing of Mukandangalwo Ramunana with Morgan Makhuvha. Makhuvha formed a deadly combination with another substitute, Takalani Ramagalela, at the forefront. Tshakhumanandilani found the equalizer in the 69th minute. Lavhelesani Singo tried his luck from the 35-meter area with a half-volley. The keeper of Maweja Takers, Ndamulelo Thathaisa, watched helplessly as the ball went beyond his reach.
Takers, who needed full points in the match in order to remain in the race to play in the final, did not stop fighting. Morgan Makhuvha scored their winning goal from a corner kick. The ball landed behind the net without any further touch.