In their losers' final match of the Boy Nemakonde KO Competition at the Tshifudi Stadium on Saturday, the defending champions, Munangwe United Brothers, beat Buluni Happy Boys 1-0 to finish in the third spot.
The game was evenly contested, with each side creating and squandering scoring opportunities. Happy Boys were the first to knock on their opponents' door. They made their first attempt in the eighth minute. Their rastafarian striker, Vhutshilo Mugwabane, went loose from the right corner and dished a square pass to Mashudu Munyai, who shot aimlessly from close range. That was a wake-up call for Brothers.
They came close to scoring moments thereafter when their centre forward, Avhatakali Maungudze, received a pre-cooked pass from Wisani Hobyane and hesitated for far too long within the box before losing possession. Realizing that their scoring chances were slim, Happy Boys strengthened their striking force by introducing Awelani Simba, who replaced Unarine Nengudza in the 27th minute.
No goal was scored in the first half, despite numerous attempts. The boys were separated from men in the 65th minute. Unandivho Makhuvha gave the ball a final touch, following a scramble within the box. Happy Boys later replaced Vhutshilo Mugwabane with Tshifhiwa Munyai, but that did not change the complexion of the game.