Tshakhuma RO United will not participate in the quarterfinal stage of the Gwede Mantashe Soccer Challenge. This follows their 1-2 defeat at the hands of Phandulaluvalo FC at the Makwarela Stadium on Sunday.
Phandulaluvalo took the game to United from the first whistle, giving their defenders no time to breathe. The United keeper, Khuthadzo Mukomafhedzi, made his presence felt in the eighth minute. Richard Nenweli, the Phandula right winger, went loose from the right corner and unleashed a half volley from close range. Mukomafhedzi braved the shot and executed a brilliant save. He palmed the ball away for a corner kick.
Phandula took the lead in the 19th minute. Aluoneswi Singo forced his way through the defence of United before beating the keeper with a ground cutter. That was a wake-up call to United's midfielders. They continuously dished out some telling passes to the strikers, forcing Phandula to play with their backs against the wall.
Thivhulawi Silima of United was brought down within the box in the 24th minute and the referee awarded a penalty against Phandula. Elvis Netshidongololo shot wide from the white spot.
Phandula effected the first change to their starting 11 two minutes later. They introduced Edward Mabasa for Rihangwele Mapholi in the 28th minute. The keeper of United kicked Ndivho Matshomo off the ball and it was a clear penalty for Phandula. Murangi Likhala scored to bring the half-time score to 2-0.
United replaced Lavhelesani Mukomafhedzi and Rinaye Madzuta with Lufuno Mugodi and Ndivhuwo Makhado respectively. They pulled one back via Lufuno Mugodi late in the game.