Phaphazela Real Hexagon will not take part in the next stage of the MTG Soccer Challenge KO competition. They were booted out 3-2 by Arsenal FC at the Makwarela Stadium on Sunday.

Hexagon, the defending champions, approached the game aggressively, but their strikers were unlucky. Pressure continued to mount on the defence of Arsenal and consequently their defender, Mashala Ralushai, handled within his own penalty box. That was a clear penalty for Hexagon and Mandla Macevele converted to make it 1-0.

The goal was a wakeup call to Arsenal, as they started to play attacking football soon afterwards. Phumudzo Tshitereke scored the equalizer in the 34th minute to bring the half-time score to 1-1. Hexagon then introduced Vutomi Mabasa and Tiyiselani Manganyi for Vicky Mukhuwana and Oral Sithole respectively. The replacements proved to be a clever move on the part of the Hexagon technical staff.

They took the lead in the 54th minute. Alfred Matala scored from what was arguably an offside position. Rinae Goma of Arsenal was booked for a late tackle to Phanuel Chauke in the 60th minute. The keeper of Arsenal, Ndaedzo Mutavhatsindi, denied Real Hexagon three sure goals in quick succession.

Phumudzo Tshitereke completed his brace by scoring the equalizer with a header, following a brilliant pass from West Nkoana. Both sides started to play defensive football with the hope that the winner would be determined through penalty shootout, but that was not to be. Ndivhuwo Budeli scored the winner for Arsenal with a header six minutes before the final whistle.