Cobra Stars beat Mutale Vikings 2-1 in their losers’ final match of the MTG Soccer Challenge at the Makwarela Stadium on Monday, to finish in the third place of the prestigious competition.

Cobras could have scored at least four goals and sealed the game in the first 20 minutes, but their strikers were not serious enough. Instead of relaxing on the ball when they approached the goal area, the strikers caused one upset after the other by shooting aimlessly from close range. It was only after 24 minutes of playing that they broke the deadlock. Their central defender, Thembuluwo Mabula, blasted in a rocket after a mix-up, which gave rise to a rebound within the box.

Realizing that Cobra Stars were dictating the terms in all departments, Vikings started to demonstrate rough skills as a way to neutralize their opponents. They did not get far with their wrongdoing, as three of their key players, including their centre forward, Duncan Raphalalani, were reprimanded with yellow cards.

Cobra Stars continued to waste more scoring opportunities as the game approached the half-time mark. What could have been the Vikings' equalizing goal before the teams adjourned for the break turned into nightmare in the 39th minute. Morris Managa received a neat pass from Joshua Gandamipfa inside the box and hesitated for far too long before unleashing, until he lost possession.

Cobra Stars increased the margin in the 57th minute. Cecil Maringa gave the ball the final touch after a heartbreaking scramble within the box. Duncan Raphalalani of Vikings was given his marching orders for a second bookable infringement. Vikings pulled one back through Joshua Gandamipfa towards the end of the game.