Mukula Young Santos secured a place in the semi-final stage of the Tshikosi Soccer Tournament by beating Rambuda Young Fighters 6-5 in their quarterfinal match at the Makonde Home Defenders grounds on Sunday.
The game was a see-saw battle, with the teams creating and wasting their scoring chances.
Young Santos were unstoppable in the first 10 minutes of the game. Their stamina faded with time, thus allowing Young Fighters to dictate terms in the middle of the park. Young Fighters squandered two clear scoring opportunities before taking the lead in the 34th minute. Their right winger, Mulalo Mulea, went loose from the left corner and unleashed from the edge of the box. The ball went far wide, much to the fans' disappointment.
A few moments later, Thifhelimbilu Nemaungani received a neat pass from Gundo Munzhelele and lost possession before he could unleash from inside the box.
Young Fighters took the lead in the 39th minute. Rotanganedzwa Siobo blasted in a rocket after a scramble within the box. Young Fighters enjoyed the lead until the referee blew the half-time whistle.
Maanda Munyai of Young Santos was reprimanded with a card early in the second half after he obstructed Jeffrey Nenguda.
Young Santos were awarded a penalty towards the end of the game. This after a defender of Young Fighters handled the ball within the box. Una Mabone made no mistake from the white spot. The score was still 1-1 when the regulation time came to an end.
The winner was determined through penalty shootout. Young Santos converted all their five chances, while Young Fighters scored four.