It was a weekend of mixed fortunes for one of the MMK Administrators League Stream D title chasers, Tshakhuma RO United. They crushed Shayandima Power Stars 4-1 at the Shayandima School grounds on Saturday and drew 1-1 with Tshivhazwaulu Peace Makers at the Tshakhuma Malaria grounds the following day.
RO United were without two of their key strikers, Lufuno "CJ" Mugodi and Asivhanzhi Muthubi, on Sunday. They were given their marching orders in the game against Power Stars the previous day.
Peace Makers frustrated the home side by playing aerial balls from behind. Instead of relaxing and cooling the ball down when in possession, RO committed suicide by playing high balls as well, something they were not familiar with.
Peace Makers had their first chance in the 10th minute when their overlapping defender, Rembuluwani Muthego, dished a pre-cooked pass to Thivhulawi Rammese, who was in a perfect scoring position. Rammese shot aimlessly from the edge of the box. The ball missed the goal mouth by inches.
Pressure continued to mount on the United defence as the game progressed. The visitors were awarded a free kick just outside the box in the 38th minute. Rammese beat the keeper with a half volley from the free kick to bring the half-time score to 1-0.
Peace Makers introduced Phumu Mulaudzi and sacrificed Rembuluwani Muthego four minutes into the last half. RO United responded by replacing Aubrey Raluzwidzo with Rendani Mukomafhedzi.
United found the equalizer in the 78th minute. Takalani Ratshilima scored an easy goal, following a great pass from Ipfi Muthubi. Realizing that their scoring chances were slim, Peace Makers played defensive football for the remaining part of the game.