Maweja Takers started the SAB League promotional playoff round-robin tournament on a high note, following their hard-earned 4-3 victory over Matsakali Sky Rangers at the Makwarela Stadium on Sunday.
As if they were going to teach Takers a lesson, Sky Rangers opened their account four minutes into the game. Hlamulo Simango scored with a header after a corner kick that was taken by Khongelani Chauke. Vice Mahlaule of Sky Rangers was lucky not to see red in the 14th minute. He handled the ball intentionally.
Maweja Takers took things more seriously after the Rangers' opening goal. They found the equalizer in the 24th minute. Abraham Munyai finished off a rebound after the keeper of Rangers, Hlamulo Khosa, mishandled the ball. Maweja Takers took the lead six minutes later. Mukandangalwo Ramunana headed home from a square pass by Rambuda Nekhudzhiga.
Sky Rangers looked frustrated towards the end of the first half. They were severely punished for that. Maweja Takers increased the margin in the 39th minute. Abraham Munyai completed his brace with a header to bring the half-time score to 3-1. Takers introduced Tshipuliso Singo and Musa Nedzamba and sacrificed Zwivhuya Tshisaphungo and Abraham Munyai early in the last half. That was not good enough to stop Sky Rangers from scoring their second goal in the 54th minute when Themba Chauke scored with a long-range ground cutter.
Sky Rangers were awarded a penalty moments thereafter. Matimba Chauke was brought down within the box and the referee awarded a penalty. Hlamulo Simango scored from the white spot. Takers took the lead again through Mundangalwo Ramunana, who beat the keeper with a volley from a place kick in the dying minutes of the game.