Gogobole Home Defenders played their hearts out when they beat Midoroni Real Hearts 2-0 in their Limpopo Dairy match at Gogobole on Saturday.

Real Hearts was weakened when their diminutive striker, Teddy Thavhiwa, left the pitch with a knee injury in the 27th minute. He was replaced with Lavhelesani Mabudu.

The home team played entertaining football throughout the first half, but Eugene Ramusheu, on whom they had pinned their hopes, was unlucky. Ramusheu caused an upset when he miskicked the ball, with the Real Hearts keeper, Zwanga Pharuli, well beaten. Defenders fought back gallantly, even though their midfielder, Fhedzisani Tsakhopa, was cautioned for rough play.

Real Hearts’ top scorer, Pfano Matenzhe, was tightly marked in the first half. The home team replaced Eugene Ramusheu with Mabulana Gededzha. Defenders were rewarded in the 42nd minute, when Ndivhuwo Fhetani forced his way through the Real Hearts defence to score easily.

The right back for Real Hearts, Tsepo Mavha, was booked for an illegal tackle on Dakalo Mabege. Defenders increased the margin when Brighton Muravha dribbled past three defenders, including goal keeper Zwanga Pharuli, and scored late in the match.