Muhuyu XI Experience booked a place in the next stage of the prestigious MTG KO competition by beating Tshatshingo Potholes 3-1 at the Khubvi Benjies grounds on Sunday.
The game was equally contested in the first 25 minutes, but XI Experience lost cohesion in the middle of the park towards the end of the first half. Potholes capitalized on the setback and scored their only goal in the 34th minute. Tshenzheleni Maboho forced his way through the defence of Experience and blasted in a rocket from inside the box.
Phathutshedzo Mabanye of XI Experience was lucky not to see red two minutes afterwards. This followed after he had handled the ball intentionally.
The score was still 1-0 at half time, despite the fact that Experience were playing with their backs against the wall.
XI Experience approached the second with more self-confidence. That forced Potholes to abandon their positions and adopt a defensive pattern. They were severely punished for that. XI Experience found the equalizer in the 58th minute. Evans Nephiphidi received a neat pass from Norman Munyamela and beat two defenders in a row before sending the keeper the wrong way.
Instead of using that as a wakeup call, Potholes continued to play defensive football as if they were still leading. Evans Nephiphidi completed his brace with a half volley in the 64th minute after beating the offside trap.
Vhulenda Netshiavha of Potholes was warned with a card for protesting against the referee's decision in the 68th minute.
Potholes lost their playmaker, Dakalo Tshikosi, in the 74th minute. He collided head-on with Ompha Ratshilumela and sustained injuries to the head. Tshikosi was later taken to the Donald Frasers Hospital, where he was admitted for treatment.
Experience increased the margin through a substitute, Mueletshedzi Mushaanzhele, later in the game.