MAKWARELA – The Giyani-based Bilika All Stars booked a place in the Top 32 stage of the prestigious Absa Cup KO Competition when they unexpectedly beat the Vodacom Promotional League affiliate, Denga Real Vikings Football Club, 5-4 at the Makwarela Stadium last Thursday.

The winner was determined through a penalty shoot-out after a 1-1 draw at the end of the regulated time. Real Vikings showed All Stars that they are their elder brothers by scoring an early goal. All Stars are campaigning in the Castle Regional League.

Aluwani Matshavha found the net in the 8th minute. All Stars were out of touch for 15 minutes after the Vikings’ goal. Instead of capitalizing on that, the strikers of Vikings, Rocket Matshavha, Aluwani Matshavha and Walter Ramulondi, squandered numerous chances in quick succession.

Real Vikings were still leading at half-time. Bilika All Stars were forced to replace the injured midfielder, Themba Mabasa, with Sam Rangani. The team from the Mopani area leveled the score in the 67th minute when Thomani Ndou scored with a volley.

Both sides effected more changes to their starting line-ups, but that did not have any impact on the final result of the game. Extra time was added but no goal was seen. A penalty shoot-out was the final resort to determine the team that will participate in the last 32 stage of the competition.

Real Vikings converted three of their five chances. They scored via Robert Godzwana, Makhado Munzhedzi, and Nhlanhla Rikhotso while Aluwani Mat-shavha and Thinandavha Gumbu shot wide. All Stars scored four and Ndindeleni Ramukosi shot wide.