United Artists narrowly beat Rabali Pull Together 1-0 in their Safa Vhembe MMK Insurance Brokers play-off match at the Makwarela Stadium on Saturday.

Rabali did not show any appetite for goals in the first half. They played defensive football and allowed their opponents to spend a  lot of time within their territory. The referee flashed the first yellow card in the 30th minute. Given Mufamadi of Artist was reprimanded for a dangerous tackle on Rabelani Muofhe.

The only time when Rabali came close to scoring was when Vuledzani Mahosi went loose from the left flank and shot wide from close range. At that stage, the game was 38 minutes old. As one of their many ways to search for goals, Artists introduced Tshifhiwa Munyai for Witnes Khuzwayo.

In the 78th minute, a shot by Trevor Magwalu of Rabali missed the goal post by inches.

The goal which separated the boys from the men came in the 84th minute. Artists were awarded a penalty after Rest Setelele handled the ball within his own penalty box. Maduvha Mudologi scored from the white spot.

Late in the game, Rabali should have equalised, but Rudzani Ralushai's ground cutter hit the woodwork and bounced back into play, much to the disappointment of the team’s fans.