Tshivhilidulu Hungry Lions booked a place in the quarterfinal of the Gwede Mantashe Soccer Challenge when they beat Makovha All Stars 3-2 at the Makwarela Stadium on Sunday.
Although it became clear within the first ten minutes that their lethal striker, Ndivhuwo Sathuma, had forgotten his scoring boots at home, the technical team decided to play him to the finish. Sathuma squandered numerous obvious scoring chances in the game. In the 14th minute, he shot wide after receiving a neat pass from Khuthadzo Tshikulumela within the box.
Lions took the lead in the 19th minute. Mukhethwa Mulaudzi beat the keeper with a half volley. The referee, Mr Chris Mugeri, flashed the first yellow card in the 24th minute. Bongani Maswanganyi of All Stars was booked for dangerous tackle on Mbulungeni Netshifhire.
All Stars fought back in the 29th minute when Ndivhuwo Khathula headed home, following a corner kick by Mashudu Muthabeni. Shortly thereafter, Sathuma caused another upset when he miskicked the ball within the penalty box.
The Stars from Makovha village took the lead in the 38th minute. Mashudu Muthabeni finished off a rebound, following a scramble within the box. All Stars enjoyed the 2-1 lead until the end of the first half.
Stars used all three their substitution chances. They replaced Tumelo Mmbengwa, Ndivhuwo Khathula and Mufhati Simani with Ndzalama Baloyi, Nkateko Khosa and Vincent Phalanndwa respectively. The Lions did not tamper with their starting line-up. They found the equalizer through Doctor Sathuma, who beat the keeper with a volley from a place kick.
Lawrence Mudau scored the winner seven minutes before the referee blew the final whistle.