Muziafera Blue Eagles kept their title hopes alive by beating Mashamba Benfica United 3-1 in their MMK Funeral Services League match at the Tshitungulwane grounds on Sunday.

Eagles meant business from the first whistle. It took them only two minutes to open their account. Their diminutive striker, Murendeni Ramulifho, blasted in a rocket, following a neat pass from Oscar Silima.

Mukhethwa Mukoma of Blue Eagles was the first player to go into the referee’s book. He tackled Khuthadzo Mashamba from behind. The Eagles continued to dominate as the game progressed. Their right flank, Vusani Mashau, was brought down within the penalty box and the referee awarded a penalty to the home side.  Khuthadzo Mushadu made no mistake from the white spot to bring the half-time score to 2-0.

Realizing that victory was almost certain, Eagles started displaying delaying tactics. Their fast forward, Phanuel Mukoma, who came on as a substitute for Gumani Mushungwa, was warned with a card for wasting time.

Mashamba Benfica took the game to their opponents after they replaced Terrence Mudau and Itani Motabane with Shane Sadiki and Elvis Maboze respectively. Blue Eagles increased the margin in the 59th minute. Tsakani “Venture” Mahuntsi  was on target with a header after a square pass from Emmanuel Mulaudzi.

Realizing that Mahutsi was looking weary, the technical team replaced him with Lindelani Muavha shortly after he found the net. Emmanuel Mulaudzi handled the ball within his penalty box in the 74th minute and it was a clear penalty for Benfica. Masala Tshimenze converted from the penalty spot. Vision  Mutavheni of Benfica was reprimanded with a card for obstruction late in the game.