In their MTG Soccer Challenge semifinal at the Makonde Home Defenders grounds on Sunday, Makonde FC beat Makonde Youth Development 1-0 to secure a place in the final of the prestigious competition.
As if they were going to bury their opponents alive, Makonde FC approached the game aggressively, with their strikers frustrating the opposition's defence through their dribbling skills. They missed two clear chances within the first 10 minutes. Their front-runner, Gundo Tshikalange, forced his way through the defence of Development and unleashed a powerful ground cutter from close range. The keeper of Development, Maanda Tshibavhalemba, stretched to the limit to execute a brilliant save.
Divhani Neduvhuledza then received a pre-cooked pass from Lessy Magwabei and tried his luck from the 20-meter area. Tshibavhalemba was in the thick of things once more. He palmed the ball away for a corner kick. Mulaedza Tshitangano of Development was booked for dangerous play in the 27th minute.
Makonde Development took the game to their opponents towards the end of the first half, but it was difficult for them to find the net. The goal that separated the boys from the men came in the 39th minute. Advice Munyai beat the offside trap and blasted in a rocket from inside the box.
Youth Development enjoyed ball possession for the better part of the last stanza, but the opposition defence was rock solid. Fhumulani Mmboi of Makonde FC was reprimanded with a card for wasting time late in the game.