Rospa United proved all the critics wrong when they unexpectedly beat Phungo All Stars 1-0 in their Vodacom Promotional League match at the Tshifulanani Stadium on Saturday.

United played without their midfielder-cum-striker, Happy Mahuntsi. He was nursing the injury he sustained in their match against Super Eagles three weeks ago. Phungo All Stars committed suicide by taking too long to replace their fumbling players, Ivan Mahangwahaya and Kamogelo Molapisi.

Rospa meant business from the onset, but their strikers, Michael Moloto and Mashudu Mashapha, could not match the opponents in the first 20 minutes of the game. Mashapha upset the fans in the 14th minute when he unleashed aimlessly from the edge of the box.

The keeper of United, Mxolisi Ncube, made his presence felt when he brilliantly saved what everyone thought was a sure goal in the 28th minute. Charles Melenyane of Stars went loose from the left corner and released at close range shot. Ncube braved the shot and executed a brilliant save, much to the disappointment of the Stars’ fans.

No goal could be seen until half time, despite several threats by both sides. Stars replaced Ivan Mahangwahaya and Kamogelo Molapisi with Sifiso Masina and Aphane Stemmer respectively.

The goal which separated the boys from men came in the 76th minute. Mukhwetha Mukoma headed home after a square pass from Ndivhuwo Ntseku. As part of their time-wasting strategies, United replaced Mashudu Mashapha with Collen Miyeza late in the game.