Joe Express booked a place in the SAB League provincial promotional play-offs by beating United Artists 6-4 in their regional final match at the Makwarela Stadium on Saturday.

The game was a see-saw battle from the onset to the bitter end. Express were the first to find the net. Their top goal scorer, Thembisani Nevhulamba, beat the Artists keeper, Kenneth Khwalu, with a ground cutter in the 30th minute. He received a beautiful pass from Dakalo Ratshitanga just outside the box from where he unleashed.

Tshifhiwa Munyai of United Artists was cautioned with a card for pulling Thembisani Nevhulamba from behind. The Artists’ captain, Jeffrey Munyai, was also booked for a late charge on Lucas Mashau in the 38th minute.

Maanda Mulaudzi was on target three minutes before the break. He hooked in the ball after a scramble within the box to bring the half-time score to 1-1.

Express replaced Mutshidzi Babalo and their captain, Lenock Mabila, with Awelani Ravuku and Juliet Nguvhane respectively. Express took the lead again in the 67th minute. Mukhethwa Mundalamo tried his luck from the edge of the box with a close-range screw shot.

United Artists took control of the game after introducing Kutelani Mulaudzi for Khuliso Muofhe. They found the equalizer in the 80th minute via Thabelo Mudau. The winner was determined through penalty shoot-out after a 2-2 full-time score. Express converted four via Thembisani Nevhulamba, Dakalo Ratshitanga, Raymond Muleya and Solomon Noko, while Artists managed to score with only two of their five chances.