Mikhado FC beat Mpheni Home Defenders 2-1 at the Makhuvha Stadium on Saturday and were crowned the winners of the 2017 Total Soccer Challenge KO competition.
The victory was sweet revenge for Mikhado after losing 3-5 to Home Defenders in their promotional play-off match at the Thohoyandou Stadium on Sunday, 18 June.
The game was played under protest. Mikhado lodged a protest with the match officials before the game kicked off. Mikhado's protest was about one of the Defenders' players, Hector Mulaudzi, whom they alleged was not properly registered with the club.
Defenders were by far the better side when it came to ball possession in the first 15 minutes. Mikhado tried to neutralize them through their rough tackles. The referee, Mr Eric Munyai, reprimanded one of them, Andani Makondelele, with a card for dangerous play in the eighth minute.
Defenders were the first to find the net. Their solitary goal came in the 18th minute. Their Rastafarian striker, Ndaedzo Mareda, tried his luck with a volley from the 25-meter area. The keeper of Mikhado, Elekanyani Nemakanga, watched helplessly as the ball hit the back of the net. Mareda's goal was voted the best in the tournament, earning him a cash prize of R1 000 during a prize-giving ceremony held at the stadium after the game.
Mikhado fought back, and in the 34th minute Mpho Mavhandu blasted in a rocket from the edge of the box to bring the half-time score to 1-1.
Home Defenders replaced Trust Tshidumo with Aaron Liswoga early in the last half. Mikhado responded by introducing Aluwani Nedzamba and Phathutshedzo Thifhulufheli for Andani Makondelele and Zwivhuya Mmbadaliga respectively.
Mikhado's winning goal came in the 78th minute. Ndivhuwo Havhi beat the keeper with a volley from a free kick.