Muledzhi Fire Boys will not take part in the semi-final stage of the Mulindavhathu Soccer Challenge. They were booted out of the tournament by Rambuda Young Fighters, who beat them 2-0 at the Khubvi Benjies Grounds on Saturday.
The teams managed to display entertaining football from the onset, but Fire Boys fumbled with the ball at the goal finish time after time.
Fire Boys squandered two clear chances inside the first 15 minutes of the game. Hulisani Dzebu went loose from the left corner and dished out a square pass. As if they were spectators, the Fire Boys' strikers watched as the ball went past the goal mouth to the other end.
Fhumulani Maphari had his chance in the 19th minute. He caused an upset by shooting aimlessly from close range.
Young Fighters took the lead in the 34th minute. Rudzani Thabo beat the keeper with a ground cutter, following a great pass from Pfunzo "Shavy" Tshikotshi.
Young Fighters created numerous scoring chances towards the end of the first half, but they had difficulty finding their way through the defence of Fire Boys. Young Fighters enjoyed the 1-0 lead until the end of the first half.
Fire Boys showed much determination and self-confidence in the second half, but their strikers continued to let them down by shooting aimlessly at the goal finish. They effected two changes to their starting line-up in the 65th minute, but that did not stop Young Fighters from scoring their second goal.
Pfunzo Tshikotshi was brought down within the box and the referee awarded a penalty to Fighters. Tshikotshi got up and scored from the white spot. Khumbudzo Raphalalani of Fighters was reprimanded with a card for obstruction later in the game.