Mashau Hungry Lions will not take part in the next stage of the prestigious Vho-Makhadzi Soccer Challenge. They were booted out of the competition by Tshakhuma na ndilani FC, who beat them 1-0 at the Mutsha Khwekhwe grounds on Sunday.
Tshakhuma approached the game aggressively, with their strikers, Khongelani Nwankoti and Khuliso Gumbu, invading the opponents' danger area from time to time. That forced the Lions to abandon their positions to assist their shaky defence.
It took Tshakhuma only 19 minutes to score the goal that separated the boys from the men. It was their diminutive striker, Khongelani Nwankoti, who made it happen. He unleashed a powerful volley from the 35-meter area. The keeper of Hungry Lions, Nkoleleni Mukhoro, watched helplessly as the ball hit the back of the net.
Tshakhuma nearly increased the margin in the 29th minute. Khuliso Gumbu caused an upset by shooting wide with the keeper already beaten. Khongelani Nwankoti was booked for dangerous play on Mushe Rambau in the 38th minute.
Realizing that Godfrey Macebele was weary, the technical staff for Tshakhuma decided to replace him with Themba Mtileni early in the second. Macebele was reprimanded with a card before he could kick the ball. He entered into the field of play without knee guards. Surprise Makananise was given his marching orders for tackling Lavhelesani Singo from behind.
Tshakhuma na ndilani beat Mission Young Rovers 3-2 in their stream final at the same venue later that afternoon.
Tshakhuma will meet Tshivhulana Real Aces in the final that will be staged at the Mdavula Stadium tomorrow.