Matangari High Aims scraped through to the next round of the Petrus Madzuhe Soccer Tournament by beating Edison Muraida FC 3-1 at the Maranzhe grounds on Sunday.
The game started 35 minutes later than the13:00 scheduled kickoff time. The delay was caused by the players and officials of High Aims, who were alleging that some of the Muraida players were not properly registered with the team.
High Aims did not lose their fighting spirit, despite the allegations. They played like a united team from the first whistle, creating good moves from behind. They took the lead in the 18th minute. The keeper of Muraida, Israel Molele, mishandled the ball next to the goal line. Ronald Mphenemene, who was closely monitoring the situation, capitalized on the setback and beat the keeper with a ground cutter.
Muraida lost shape in the middle of the park shortly after Aims' opening goal. That gave High Aims enough chance to dictate terms within Muraida's danger area. High Aims increased the lead in the 27th minute. Ronald Mphenemene unleashed a powerful half volley from the edge of the box, giving the Muraida keeper no chance.
Muraida took the game to Aims towards the end of the first half. Their solitary goal came in the 44th minute. A defender of High Aims handled the ball within the box and the referee was quick to award a penalty to Muraida. Lavhelesani Mulibana made no mistake from the white spot.
Ronald Mphenemene of High Aims was cautioned with a card, following a continued argument with the referee. High Aims put matters beyond doubt in the 78th minute when Ronald Mphenemene beat the offside trap and showed the keeper the wrong way.