Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila (TTM) kept their title hopes alive by beating Mbombela United 2-0 in their National First Division League match at the Thohoyandou Stadium on Saturday.
TTM showed no appetite for goals in the first half as they played defensive football from the onset. United failed to capitalize as they continued to fumble within TTM's danger area.
The Port Elizabeth-born referee, Mr Masixole Bambiso, flashed the first yellow card in the 14th minute. Tshepo Ramaele, TTM's keeper, advanced out of his box to deal with Siphesihle Sangweni, who beat the offside trap and faced the keeper in a one-on-one situation. Realizing that it would be impossible for him to stop Sangweni from scoring, Ramaele decided to tackle him illegally.
The only time the home side came close to scoring in the first half was when David Zulu, the former Black Leopards sharpshooter, shot wide after receiving a neat pass from Nhlanhla Mgaga in the 27th minute. Happy Mashau of TTM was also reprimanded with a card for dangerous play towards the end of the first half.
TTM approached the last half with more self-confidence. It took them only seven minutes to take the lead. Their dribbling wizard, Onyedikachi Ononogbu, beat the keeper with a header, following a square pass from Lebohang Mabotja. TTM strengthened their striking force by replacing David Zulu with Shandukani Mabirimisa in the 59th minute.
Mabirimisa combined well with Edward Manqele and Onyedikachi Ononogbu at the forefront. United were reduced to ten men in the 76th minute. Their captain, Felis Badenhorst, was given his marching orders for obstructing Shandukani Mabirimisa.
TTM capitalized to score their second goal in the 79th minute. Onyedikachi Ononogbu completed his brace with a ground cutter. TTM replaced Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo with Siyabulela Shai late in the game.