Luvhimbi Wanderers booked a place in the next round of the MTG Funerals Soccer Challenge by beating Damani Powerlines 5-4 in their opening match at the Khubvi Benjies grounds on Sunday.
Powerlines showed a great appetite for goals in the opening minutes of the game, while Wanderers adopted a wait-and-see pattern.
It took Damani Powerlines 19 minutes to open their account. Their captain, Thabelo Tshiambo, went loose from the middle of the park and beat the keeper with a volley. Wanderers gained momentum as time progressed.
Things turned against Damani Powerlines after Wanderers introduced Thabelo Ravhuanzwo and Khuthadzo Masimbane for Cassius Ravhura and Pfunzo Sivhidzho respectively. Wanderers found the equalizer in the 29th minute. Fhulufhelo Nyadzani unleashed a powerful ground cutter, following a mix-up within the Powerlines' danger area.
Powerlines started to display their rough skills in a bid to neutralize the opponents after Wanderers took control of the game. The referee flashed yellow cards to three of their midfielders. Dakalo Masithi, Mulalo Nemavhola and Onndwela Mudau were booked in quick succession for dangerous tackles.
The score was 1-1 at the end of the regulation time. The winners were determined through penalty shootout. Damani Powerlines scored three while Wanderers converted four from the white spot.