Joe's Express FC secured a place in the final of the SAB League promotional playoffs by beating Maweja Takers 6-2 at the packed Makwarela Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Maweja Takers were the first to find the net. Their top goal scorer, Mukandangalwo Ramunana, was brought down by the Express keeper, Thanyani Netshipale, within the box. That was a good reason for the referee, Mr Eric Munyai, to award a penalty to the boys from Tshakhuma village. The team's captain, Khuliso Netshulu, converted from the penalty spot.
Express responded in the ninth minute, when Mukhethwa Mundalamo forced his way through the defence of Takers and showed the keeper the wrong way. The team took the lead seven minutes later. Thembisani Nevhulamba finished off a square pass from Lenock Mabila.
Takers lost their key left back, Vhulondo Khaume, through a knee injury in the 30th minute. Express capitalized on the setback to score their third goal through Thinavhuyo Mashau three minutes before the break.
Mukandangalwo Ramunana scored the second for Takers in the 54th minute. The keeper of Takers, Tendani Ramadi, sustained a serious injury to the ankle moments afterwards and he was replaced with Mbavhalelo Thathaisa. That was the turning point of the game. Express were all over Takers for the remaining part of the game. Mukhethwa Mundalamo was on target in the 69th minute.
Mundalano completed his hat trick two minutes afterwards, following a corner kick that was taken by Mutshidzi Babala. Mundalalo was on target again in the referee's optional time to bring the full time score to 6-2.
It was the first defeat for Maweja Takers this season.