One of the hot favourites in the Mulindavhathu Soccer Challenge Tournament, Mulodi Freedom Birds, will not take part in the semifinals.

They were booted out of the competition by The Dolphins FC, who beat them 5-3 at the Khubvi Benjies grounds on Sunday afternoon.

The game was characterised by wasted scoring opportunities. Both sides could have scored at least two goals during the first half. The Dolphins were the first to have cause for regret. Their front runner, Shumani Radzivhoni, tried his luck from outside the box in the 14th minute and suffered the pain of watching the ball go a little wide.

Before long, Dakalo Sengani of Freedom Birds caused an upset. He received a beautiful pass from Master Mahada and hesitated too long and lost possession. Gift Muvhango of Freedom Birds was cautioned with a card for dangerous play on Rendani Phalanndwa.

The Dolphins were the first to find the net. Mueletshedzi Nevhurwa made no mistake, following a neat pass from Aluwani Manenzhe. At that stage, the game was 28 minutes old. Freedom Birds were reduced to 10 men three minutes afterwards. Gift Muvhango was given his marching orders for a second bookable offence.

The keeper of Freedom Birds, Khethani Manenzhe, was cautioned for retaliating after Michael Fhetani tackled him badly. Khonani Masevhe scored the equaliser for Birds in the 78th minute.

The score line was 1-1 at the end of the regulation time and the winner was determined through penalty shootout. The Dolphins converted four of their chances, while Birds scored only two.