Tshakhuma RO United kept their title hopes alive by collecting full points at the expense of Gwamasenga United Brothers, whom they narrowly beat 1-0 in their MMK Administrators' League match at the Tshakhuma Malaria grounds on Saturday.
Although United Brothers are lying in the middle of the log, they managed to match RO United pound for pound. RO United are closely contesting for the league championship with only three points behind the pace setters, Maweja Takers.
Masala Tsanwani, the United Brothers' midfielder, was the first player to go into the referee's book. He tackled Dakalo Mudau from behind. The keeper of RO United, Khuthadzo Mukomafhedzi, denied United Brothers a sure goal in the 27th minute. This after the visitors were awarded a free kick at the edge of the box. Masala Tsanwani unleashed a half volley from the free kick. Mukomafhedzi dived acrobatically and palmed the ball away for a corner kick.
The goal which separated the boys from the men came in the 38th minute. Lucky Ndou beat the keeper with a long-range ground cutter. The game turned lukewarm for the remaining part of the first half as both sides looked tired. Both sides used all their substitution chances.
United Brothers played the last 20 minutes of the game with their hands tied behind their backs. Tshilidzi Ramatsitsi was given his marching orders, following a second bookable offence.