Makhitha Iyarunga through to next round of Total Challenge

Makhitha Iyarunga and Muraleni United played to a 3-all draw in their Total Cup match at Tshiozwi on Saturday.

The winners were determined by a penalty shoot-out and Iyarunga eventually won the encounter 7-6. The match started at a fast pace, with both sides threatening to be the first to hit the target. United opened the scoring in the 10th minute. Iyarunga’s keeper, Hector Malange, was left flat-footed by Nndweleni Tsanwani.

United missed a fortune in the 17^th minute, when a header by Goddy Mahuwe went a little wide. Iyarunga equalised through Ronewa Baloyi’s penalty. In the 34th minute, United increased the margin when Naledzani Mutshinyali grabbed his second goal with a half volley. The half-time score was 2-1 in favour of United.

The match turned lukewarm early in the second half. This was influenced by the fact that both sides were holding onto the ball for too long. Iyarunga equalised through Moses Mabeba. He received a neat pass from Rolivhuwa Kutama and released a powerful shot from the edge of the box to bring the score to 2-2. After the goal, the match flowed at a high pace.

Phathutshedzo Livhalali of United tried his luck from outside the box to score his team's third goal. The celebration was, however, cut short when Nditsheni Mudzhedzi of Iyarunga scored his team’s third. He received the ball from the centre line and passed it to the advancing Erasmus Baloyi. He passed it back to Mudzhedzi, who was on target again.

Date:15 December 2016

By: Kaizer Nengovhela

Kaizer Nengovhela started writing stories for Limpopo Mirror in 2000. Prior to that he had a five year stint at Phala-Phala FM as sports presenter. In 2005 Kaizer received an award from the province's premier as Best Sports Presenter. The same year he was also nominated as Best Sports Reporter by the Makhado Municipality. Kaizer was awarded the Mathatha Tsedu award in 2014.

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