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Samuel Ravhutsi of Ficus hooks the ball, while Awelani Mphigalale of Fighters is on his heels.

Ficus scrape through

 

In their quarterfinal match of the Khubvi Soccer Tournament at the Khubvi Benjie's grounds on Saturday, Ficus FC beat Rambuda Young Fighters 9-8 to secure a place a place in the semifinal stage of the competition.

Young Fighters approached the game aggressively, making life difficult for the defenders of Ficus.

Their original stamina faded with time, while Ficus were fast gaining momentum. Ficus were the first blow the trumpet. It took them 19 minutes to open their account. Their overlapping midfielder, Fhatuwani Baloyi, caught the Fighters’ keeper, Aubrey Murathi, napping and beat him with a long-range half volley.

Young Fighters refused to recognize Ficus as their superiors. They initiated numerous scoring chances, but their moves were intercepted just outside the box. Fighters did not stop fighting, despite the fact that it was difficult for them to find their way through the opposition's defence.

Their patience paid dividends when they found the equalizer in the 37th minute. Pfunzo Tshikotshi was on target with a header, following Rotenda Nethononda’s square pass. Mukundi Mulaudzi of Ficus and Tsimbe Thomoli of Young Fighters were cautioned with yellow cards for exchanging blows. Young Fighters were unlucky in the 67th minute. Their fast forward, Awelani Mphigalale, tried his luck from the edge of the box. The ball hit the woodwork and bounced outside the field of play for a goal kick.

Ficus realized that their scoring chances were slim and they started to play defensive football. The score was still 1-1 when the referee blew the final whistle and the winner had to be determined through penalty-shootout. Ficus converted eight of their chances while Fighters scored seven.

Victor Netshipalei of Ficus (left) and Tsimbe Thomoli of Fighters wait for the high ball to land.

Ndivhuwo Mulovhedzi of Ficus (right) and Rotenda Nethononda of Fighters are focused on the ball.

Ndamulelo Maanda of Ficus (left) and Tsimbe Thomoli of Fighters wrestle to win the ball.   

 

Date:22 July 2016

By: Frank Mavhungu

Frank is a Human Resources Manager at the Department of Public Works in Limpopo. He is the longest serving correspondent of the Mirror, having joined us at the end of 1990.  He mainly writes sports reports and resides at Tsianda Village. In 2004, Frank won the National Castle League Award, an award for the best reporter in the SAB league in South Africa.

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