Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila (TTM) shared the glory with their neighbours, Tshakhuma RO United, in their MMK Administrators League match at the Tshakhuma Malaria grounds on Sunday. They played to a 1-1 draw.
TTM started the game like a house on fire, with their midfielders distributing good passes to the goal poachers. United spent the better part of the first half running for cover. The referee, Mr Mboniso Ndlovu, flashed the first yellow card in the 16th minute. Takalani "Franco" Ratshilima was booked for obstructing Shandukani Mabirimisa.
TTM were the first to blow the trumpet. Zwiswa Fhedzisani beat the keeper with a ground cutter after a nerve-wracking scramble within the box. United woke up after the goal and their midfielders started to play entertaining football. The score remained unchanged until the end of the first half, despite numerous attempts by the TTM strikers.
United strengthened their striking force by replacing Asivhanzhi Muthubi with his twin brother, Ipfi, three minutes into the last half. Muthubi combined well with Lufuno "CJ" Mugodi and Takalani "Franco" Ratshilima at the forefront.
United missed a fortune in the 57th minute. A defender of TTM handled the ball within the box and the referee was prompted to award a penalty to United. Phathutshedzo Matodzi shot wide from the white spot. Lindelani Mbedzi of TTM was booked with a card for protesting against the referee's decision in the 67th minute.
Ipfi Muthubi scored the United's equalizer five minutes later. His volley hit the crossbar and bounced across the goal line. United replaced Phathutshedzo Matodzi with Ndivhuwo Makhado ten minutes before the final whistle in a bid to solidify the midfield, but that did not change the complexion of the game.