Khubvi Peace Makers rose to the occasion and beat Muhuyu Copper Stars 1-0 in the final of the Benjies Soccer Tournament at the Khubvi Benjies ground on Sunday. Although it was their second match in a space of four hours, Copper Stars managed to match Peace Makers pound for pound from the onset to the bitter end.

Peace Makers made their intentions clear from the start. Their left flank, Rofhiwa Netshitungulu, could not believe his eyes when his volley went a little wide, following a neat pass from his captain, Mpho Mukhethiwa, in the 9th minute.

Copper Stars soon changed their pattern and put more emphasis on the midfield. That helped them a great deal as they managed to distribute dangerous passes to the strikers, who could not find their way through the defence of Peace Makers.

The boys were separated from men in the 38th minute. Rofhiwa Netshitungulu forced his way through the defence of Copper Stars and tried his luck from the far left corner. The diminutive keeper of Copper Stars, Rotondwa Muhali, watched helplessly as the ball went beyond his reach.

Copper Stars did not give in without a fight. They regrouped from behind and initiated some promising passes from behind. What should have been the second goal for Peace Makers was turned into nightmare in the 58th minute. They were awarded a penalty, after Ipfi Muthubi was brought down within the penalty area.

The referee, Christopher Mugeri, awarded a penalty, but Tshifhiwa Singo caused an upset by shooting astray from the white spot.

Khalirendwe Rungani of Copper Stars was given his marching orders for obstruction later in the game.

In their semi-final, Muhuyu Copper Stars came back from a 0-2 deficit and beat Luvhimbi Wanderers 6-4 to book a place in the final.
Khubvi Dangerous Darkies’ hopes of winning the Benjies Soccer Tournament were thwarted when they were narrowly beaten 1-2 by their neighbors, Khubvi Peace Makers.