Nine goals were scored in the Vhembe regional promotional knockout match between Mukula Young Santos and Malamulele FC at the Tshifulanani Stadium on Saturday.  Although Malamulele were the first to score, they suffered a 3-6 defeat at the end.

It took Malamulele 11 minutes to draw blood. Their opening goal was scored by Edgar Dumasi. The goal was a wakeup call to the players of Santos. They retaliated in the 19th minute when Rendani Madega was on target with a half volley.

Before long they took the lead after Phathusthedzo Takalani made no mistake from inside the box to bring the half-time score to 2-1.

Rendani Madega of Santos was cautioned for ignoring the referee’s whistle. He kicked the ball away long after the referee, Mr Pollen Sibara, had blown the whistle. Madega did not stop fighting, despite the yellow card he was shown. He scored again in the 49th minute.

Malamulele pulled one back through Kurisani Hlungwani moments thereafter. They  lost their original fighting spirit, however, as the game progressed. That gave Santos a good chance to score another goal. Japhter Mulaedzi forced his way through the defence of Malamulele and unleashed a groundcutter. Raphney Hlungwane scored the third for Malamulele in the 67th minute with a long-range volley. The ball hit the crossbar and bounced across the goal line.

Santos scored the last two goals in the 78th and 84th minute respectively. Rendani Madega scored the fifth and Japhter Mulaedzi scored the last one.

Santos were booted out of the competition by Mulodi Freedom Birds, who beat them 2-1 the following day.