Mountain Rangers out of Benjies Cup

Vhutalu Mountain Rangers were booted out of the Benjies Soccer Challenge 1-3 by Matangari High Aims at the Khubvi grounds on Sunday.

High Aims' midfielders, Loshani Nedambale, Rendani Ntsieni and Winslow Musekwa, were distributing dangerous passes to the goal poachers from time to time. Although Rangers were out of touch for the better part of the game, their left-footed midfielder, Tshilisanani Phalanndwa, remained a livewire.

Phalanndwa did not lose hope, even after his team conceded a silly goal in the 25^th minute. High Aims were awarded a free kick in the 25-meter area after Dakalo Tshilume was brought down by Livhuwani Nengome. Winslow Musekwa beat the keeper with a volley from the free kick.

Rangers fought patiently in their search for the equalizing goal. They were also awarded a free kick in the 37^th minute, just outside the box. Tshilisanani Phalanndwa scored from the set piece with a volley to bring the half-time score to 1-1.

Rangers started to play defensive football as if they were leading. The pattern worked against them as they conceded two goals in the last 15 minutes of the game. Pfarelo Mphenemene forced his way through the defence of Rangers and unleashed a ground cutter from the edge of the box. The keeper, Murunwa Nkhumeleni, watched helplessly as the ball went beyond his reach.

High Aims put the matter beyond doubt in the 84^th minute when a substitute, Itani Rangolo, tried his luck with a long-range volley.

In the other Benjies Soccer Challenge matches, which were also played at the same venue on Sunday, Matangari Rising Stars beat Makonde FC 2-0. Khubvi Peace Makers narrowly beat Tshandama Try Together 1-0, while Khubvi Jamaican Stars beat Mutale Vikings 5-4.

Sport - Date: 20 October 2016

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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