Matangari High Aims fought hard to earn a 5-3 victory over Mutale Vikings in their MTG Soccer Challenge KO Competition at the Khubvi Benjies grounds on Saturday.

Their keeper, Fhatuwani Mudimeli, was a marvel to watch throughout the game. He saved two penalties during the penalty shoot-out stage.

The game was a balanced affairk, with both sides creating some scoring chances. The first 10 minutes saw High Aims miss two clear chances in quick succession. Firstly it was Mishumo Pandelani who received a great pass from Vhulahani Gavhi and unleashed a powerful shot from close range. The ball hit the crossbar and landed outside the field of play for a goal kick. Maanda Mbedzi committed a similar blunder a little later.

Vikings took the game to their opponents soon afterwards. Their efforts did not pass without reward as they opened their account in the 19th minute. Caiphus Maphagela beat the keeper with a long-range volley. High Aims did not just stand aside and look while Vikings were celebrating their goal. They fought collectively until Rofhiwa Mavhungu scored the equalizer in the 37th minute by breaking loose from the middle of the park and finally beating the advancing keeper, Funzani Nephalama, with a ground cutter.

Vikings effected two changes to their starting line-up earlier in the last half, but that did not change the complexion of the game. High Aims threatened to score later in the game, but their striker, Rendani Ntsieni, lost possession within the penalty box.

The game turned lukewarm towards the final whistle as both sides adopted the wait-and-see pattern, trying to study their opponents.  The winner was determined through penalty shootout as no other goal was scored during the regulated time. High Aims converted four via Mishumo Pandelani, Rendani Ntsieni, Loshani Nedambale and Mishumo Ngwana, while Vikings managed to score only two from the white spot.