Lamvi Ficus FC will not take part in the quarterfinal stage of the Mulindavhathu Soccer Challenge.
They were booted out of the tournament by Khubvi Peace Makers, who beat them 2-0 at the Khubvi Benjies grounds on Sunday.
Although one of their key midfielders, Ipfi Muthubi, was reprimanded with a card in the 14th minute, Peace Makers did not lose their fighting spirit. They continued to pressure their opponents by creating some promising moves from the centre of the pitch.
Things turned against Ficus in the 24th minute, when their left flank, Fhatuwani Mbevhana, was given his marching orders after a continued argument with the referee.
Ficus fought like a wounded tiger after the incident. Their front runner, Victor Netshipale, was brought down within the box and the referee did not hesitate to award them a penalty. Their keeper, Mbulaiseni Munyai, caused an upset by shooting straight to the keeper, who easily saved the ground cutter.
Ficus were the first to introduce a new face to their starting lineup. They replaced Kholwi Mathivha with Lufuno Munzhelele three minutes into the last half. Peace Makers opened their account in the 64th minute. Ipfi Muthubi went loose from the right corner, from where he blasted in a rocket. Peace Makers later replaced Madambi Badzhi with Takali Netshavhungwe in a bid to strengthen their midfield. Netshavhungwe formed a deadly combination with Mashudu Mukwevho.
Ipfi Muthubi completed his brace in the 78th minute after a rebound. The keeper of Ficus, Mbulaiseni Munyai, mishandled the ball and Muthubi, who was waiting nearby, made no mistake to bring the final score to 2-0.