Tshipako Hotspurs were slightly too hot for Makonde Home Defenders when they booted them out of the prestigious Thulamela Mayoral Tournament, following their 8-7 victory at the Khubvi Benjie's grounds on Sunday.
One factor that contributed towards the downfall of Home Defenders was their decision to allow their "bulldozer" striker, Ipfi Muthubi, to play a full game. Muthubi was a passive player for the better part of the game, receiving pre-cooked passes from team mates and losing possession easily.
Spurs' keeper, Caiphus Mulibana, was a marvel to watch. He denied Home Defenders numerous sure goals within the first 30 minutes of the game.
In the 14th minute, Shadrack Rikhotso of Home Defenders tried his luck from the 25-metre area with a half volley. Mulibana braved the shot and palmed the ball away for a corner kick. As if that was not good enough to impress the team's fans, Mulibana did it again seven minutes later. This time around he stretched to the limit to execute a brilliant save, stopping Tshimangadzo Maswime's ground cutter from just outside the penalty box.
The second half was characterized by dangerous tackles as both teams played a physical game. The game turned lukewarm towards the end as both sides abandoned their positions and played defensive football.
The winner was determined through a penalty shootout as the scoreboard was still blank when the referee blew the final whistle. Both sides managed to convert their first five chances and Home Defenders failed to score their third sudden-death penalty after Hotspurs scored via Mulinda Munyai, Caiphus Mulibana and Rofhiwa Nemavhola.