Mapuloni Highlanders registered their second victory for the season when they beat Phalama Young Vultures 1-0 in their SAB League match at the Phalama grounds on Sunday, 25 September.
The result was not a true reflection of the game as Highlanders squandered numerous scoring opportunities. In the first instance, their right flank, Gumani Mbulaheni, caused an upset when his volley missed the goal mouth in the eighth minute. Ndivhuwo Tshirundu committed a similar blunder moments thereafter. He dribbled past three Vultures defenders in a row and unleashed from outside the box. The ball hit the crossbar and bounced back into the field of play.
Young Vultures threatened to score in the 24th minute. Their overlapping midfielder, Vhali Makhura, watched in disbelief as his well-struck volley missed the target by inches.
The home side effected the first change to their starting lineup nine minutes before the referee blew the half-time whistle. They introduced Takalani Mphephu for Gift Mudzunga, who was looking weary from the onset. No goal was seen during the first half, despite the fact that Highlanders were continuously knocking on the opponents' door.
Young Vultures were reduced to 10 men early in the second half. Simon Luvhengo was given his marching orders for hitting an opponent with a smack in the face. Highlanders capitalised on the setback and scored their much-awaited goal via Ndivhuwo Tshirundu, who blasted in a rocket from close range.
Highlanders managed to defend their lead until the final whistle was blown.