Mikhado FC secured a place in the semifinal stage of the SAFA Vhembe Total Challenge by beating Muswodi Happy Fighters 5-2 at the Makwarela Stadium on Sunday.
As if they were going to bury Mikhado alive, Fighters were the first to blow the trumpet. They were awarded a free kick in the 35-meter area nine minutes into the game. Rinae Ndwammbi beat the keeper with a volley from the free kick.
Lugisani Matodzi of Fighters was booked for dangerous play in the 19th minute. He tackled Mpho Mavhandu the rough way and the referee, Mr Rabelani Nemushungwa, was lenient enough not to give him his marching orders. The score was 1-1 after Mikhado found the equalizer in the 36th minute. Aluwani Nedzamba blasted in a rocket, following a scramble within the box.
Rinae Ndwammbi was warned with a card for tackling Ernot Dzaga illegally. Fighters took the lead in the 54th minute. Sakkie Munyai beat the offside trap and sent the keeper the wrong way. Mikhado did not panic, although time was fast running out for them. They effected three changes to their original team by introducing Aluwani Ndou, Lucky Masutha and Rendani Thavhana for Zwivhuya Mmbadaliga, Mpho Mavhandu and Phathutshedzo Thifhulufheli respectively.
Masutha made his presence felt by scoring the equalizer in the 69th minute. Happy Fighters lost cohesion after Mikhado scored the equalizer. Mikhado continued to play like a team possessed in their search for the winning goal. Aluwani Nedzamba scored the third, following a square pass by Ndivhuwo Havhi. Ndivhuwo Havhi was on target in the 78th minute to make it 4-2.
Rendani Thavhana of Mikhado was booked for a late tackle on Isani Neluheni. Mikhado's last goal was scored by Rendani Thavhana in the dying minutes of the game.