Tshatshingo Potholes secured a place in the next round of the MTG and PIB KO Competition by beating Tshipako Hotspurs 3-2 at the Khubvi Benjies grounds on Saturday.
The game was evenly contested with both sides creating and squandering obvious scoring chances. Hotspurs were the first to knock on the opposition's door. They initiated some promising moves from the middle of the park in the 14th minute, but their right winger, Sipho Netshiunda, shot straight to the stranded keeper from close range.
Potholes were forced to effect an early change to their starting line-up. Their overlapping midfielder, Rihangwele Mamala, sustained a knee injury and he was replaced with Thavha Netshidzivhe.
Hotspurs missed a fortune in the 78th minute. Lutendo Netshithuthuni tried his luck with a half volley from the edge of the box and the ball missed the goal mouth by a whisker.
The winner was determined through a penalty shoot-out as the scoreboard was still asking for the numbers when the referee, Mr Eric Munyai, blew the final whistle.
Potholes converted three of their five chances through Dakalo Tshikosi, Tshenzhelani Maboho and Tshifhambano Ramudingani while Hotspurs scored via Vhulenda Mulibana and Shandukani Munyai.