Tshaulu Powerlines beat Dimani Young Masters 6-5 after a penalty shoot-out, to lift the Boy Nemakonde Soccer Challenge trophy at the Tshifudi Stadium on Saturday.
The game was evenly contested, with the goalkeepers pulling off some brilliant saves. The players were committed to displaying clean football as only one yellow card was flashed in the game. Maipfi Siala of Young Masters recklessly tackled Ronewa Tshibubudze just outside the penalty box and the referee, Mr Shumani Tinyani, reprimanded him with a card.
No goal was scored in the first half.The first 10 minutes of the last half was the busiest time for the goalkeepers. Powerlines' Rastafarian striker, Lufuno Musetsho, unleashed from the edge of the box in the 49th minute. Masters' keeper, Ndinnyi Munyai, palmed the ball away for a corner kick. That was a wake-up call for Young Masters. They took the game to their opponents soon afterwards. Their leading goal scorer, Robert Mudau, tried his luck from inside the box with a ground cutter. Powerlines' keeper, Ronald Mudau, braved the shot and executed a brilliant save, much to the disappointment of the Masters fans.
Young Masters took the lead in the 59th minute. Samuel Muvhango finished off a rebound after the keeper of Powerlines mishandled. Powerlines did not lose hope, although time was fast running out for them. They found the equalizer through a substitute, Mulisa Mukwevho, in the dying minutes of the game.
During the penalty shoot-out, Powerlines converted all five their chances, while Young Masters scored four from the white spot.