Phandulaluvalo scraped through to the semi-final stage of the Marshal Resort Soccer Tournament by beating Zwaloni United FC 4-1 at the Khubvi Benjies grounds on Sunday.
United managed to match their elder brothers pound for pound in the first half, but their fighting spirit vanished with time. Phandulaluvalo were leading 1-0 at half time. Their opening goal came in the 24th minute when the team's captain, Engedzani Mbedzi, forced his way through the defence of United and beat the keeper with a ground cutter.
United did not stop fighting despite conceding an early goal. They created numerous scoring opportunities, but their strikers let them down by shooting aimlessly from close range. Phandulaluvalo increased the margin four minutes into the last half. Takalani Makhuvha found the net following a neat pass from Edward Mabasa.
United pulled one back seven minutes later. Norman Begwa, who came on as a substitute, headed home after a corner kick that was taken by Lutendo Nengovhela. United's goal seemed to have been an insult to Phandulaluvalo. They increased the margin moments thereafter. Engedzani Mbedzi completed his brace by sending the keeper the wrong way with a close-range half volley.
Phandulaluvalo put matters beyond doubt in the 74th minute. Takalani Makhuvha hit the back of the net with a ground cutter after beating the offside trap.
United started to display their rough skills towards the end of the game. The referee normalized the situation by giving two of their key players, Andani Tshikovha and Hulisani Netshitavhadulu, their marching orders.