Matsika Shooting Stars beat Nweli Stone Breakers 2-1 to book a place in the next round of the PIB MTG and Black Leopards KO competition at the Tshifudi Stadium on Sunday. The match was played under protest.

Both sides lodged protests with the referee before the start of the game. Stone Breakers protested against the Stars midfielder, Hulisani Khorommbi, who they argued was not properly registered with the team, while Shooting Stars said Alushavhi Nkhumeleni of Shooting Stars was a defaulter.

The Stars’ Rastafarian striker, Hulisani Netshivhazwaulu, was a thorn in the flesh of the defence of Stone Breakers. Netshivhazwaulu scored a brace in the match.
As if they were going to bury their opponents alive, Stone Breakers were the first to find the net. Their only goal came in the 19th minute. Elijah Khaukanani caught the Stars’ keeper off guard and beat him with a volley.

Shooting Stars did not stop fighting, despite conceding the early goal. They continued to play like an organized team until the wheel of fortune turned in their favour. Their equalizing goal came in the 37th minute. Hulisani Netshivhazwaulu was on target, following a neat pass from Lindelani Mugeri. Both sides effected two changes to their starting lineups in the last half.
There was drama inside the pitch in the 69th minute. Lufuno Mudau of Stone Breakers kicked Fhulufhelo Mugeri intentionally and although the referee warned Mudau with a card, that was not good enough for Mugeri. Mugeri  retaliated by kicking Mudau and the referee took no time ingiving him his marching orders.

Hulisani Netshivhazwaulu completed his brace in the 78th minute. The players and officials for Stone Breakers confronted the referee, Mr Nkhangweni Tshienda, after the game. They accused him of favouritism.