Khubvi Dangerous Darkies secured a place in the quarterfinal stage of the Tshikosi Off-season Soccer Tournament by beating Mutale Vikings 1-0 at the Makonde Home Defenders grounds on Sunday.
The score was not a true reflection of the game as Darkies squandered numerous scoring chances before blowing the trumpet late in the game.
Darkies' captain, Avhatakali "Ace" Tshivhase, was a marvel to watch. He was everywhere, initiating dangerous moves from the middle of the park, while at the same time playing as a full striker. Vikings had their first chance in the 14th minute when Talifhani Mudalahothe went loose from the left corner and lost possession before unleashing.
The Vikings' attempt was a wake-up call to the Darkies' midfielders. They created numerous moves from behind, but their strikers let them down by shooting aimlessly at the goal finish. Their overlapping midfielder, Meshack Ramafamba, watched in disbelief as his half volley hit the crossbar and bounced back into play in the 26th minute.
The game turned lukewarm in the last 15 minutes of the first half as both sides played aerial balls from behind. Avhatakali Tshivhase of Darkies was reprimanded with a card for a continued argument with the referee.
Darkies were all over Vikings in the last half but it was difficult for them to beat the Vikings' rock-solid defence. The goal that separated the boys from the men came in the 68th minute. A defender of Vikings, Fhatuwani Rakuambo, passed the ball back to his keeper and Avhatakali Tshivhase intercepted the move and beat the keeper with a ground cutter.
Vikings did not give in without a fight. They kept on knocking on the opponents' door until the final whistle was blown.