United Artists continued to pave their way to the promotional playoffs when they narrowly beat The Dolphins FC 1-0 in their MMK Administrators League match at the Matatshe grounds on Saturday. Although they were playing in front of their home crowd, Dolphins were by far outclassed by the visitors from Lufule village.
The keeper of Dolphins, Rofhiwa Makhuvha, denied Artists numerous sure goals through his brilliant goalkeeping. He made his presence felt in the 14th minute. Vuledzani Ntsieni, the Artists' fast forward, tried his luck from just outside the box with a half volley. Makhuvha braved the shot and cleared the ball away for a corner kick.
The referee, Mr Khathutshelo Muridili, flashed the first yellow card in the 24th minute. Pfano Nematavhelani of Dolphins obstructed Kenneth Nthatheni and Muridili, who was standing close to the scene, took no time before producing a card. Realizing that it would be difficult for them to find their way through the defence of Artists, the home side abandoned their positions and packed themselves at the back, relying mostly on counter attacks.
There were a lot of promises although no goal was scored during the first half. The Dolphins introduced Pfarelo Netshikweta for Pfano Nematavhelani six minutes into the last half. Dolphins looked a bit more aggressive after the replacement.
Ritshidze Nemudzivhadi of Dolphins was warned with a card for ignoring the referee's whistle. He kicked the ball away long after the referee had blown the whistle for an offside. The goal that earned Artists three significant points came in the 78th minute. Jeffrey Mungoni's long-range volley was deflected into the net by Vuledzani Ntsieni.
United Artists played defensive football for the remaining part of the game.