Tshaulu Powerlines came back from a 2-1 deficit and beat Mahagala Young Stars 3-2 in their semi-final of the Boy Nemakonde Soccer Challenge at the Tshifudi Stadium last Saturday.

Stars displayed entertaining football in the opening minutes, but later faded. The first half was characterized by wasted scoring opportunities. Thovhedzo Mudau of Young Stars was the first player to cause an upset. He forced his way through the defence of Powerlines and unleashed a volley from inside the penalty box, but was not on target.

No goal was seen during the first half, despite numerous attempts by both sides. Both sides introduced two new faces early in the second half.

Young Stars were the first to find the net. Muhumbulo Netshipale beat the keeper with a ground cutter, following a great pass by Rivoningo Mabasa. The referee, Ms Lufuno Nemagovhani, flashed the first yellow card in the 54th minute. Ndivhuwo Mukwevho of Powerlines tackled Mulisa Sithaba from behind and Nemagovhani was lenient not to give him his marching orders. The keeper of Powerlines, Thanyani Mudzanani, was also booked for a prolonged argument with the referee.

Powerlines’ Rastafarian striker, Lufuno Musetsho, scored his side’s equalizer in the 64th minute after a rebound. The keeper of Powerlines sustained a knee injury and was replaced by Abram Tshivhalavhala. Young Stars took the lead five minutes later. Akani Maluleke was on target after going loose from the right corner. Powerlines did not give up, although time was fast running out for them. They scored two goals in quick succession. Their equalizer came via Hlengani Simango, who blasted in a rocket from the 25-meter area. Tshilidzi Ramadi scored the winner three minutes before the final whistle.