Gumani Young Stars managed to secure a place in the last-16 stage of the Comrade Mdaka Soccer Challenge. They beat Mashau Thondoni FC 6-4 at the Bokisi village grounds on Sunday.

Young Stars did not show any respect to Mashau, despite the fact that the latter are the league champions. They deserved to win as their midfielders distributed defence-splitting passes from time to time. Young Stars did not lose hope, despite the fact that they squandered two obvious scoring chances within the first 15 minutes. Ntwanano Khosa reived a neat pass from Tendani Mashau and shot wide with the keeper already beaten.

Ntsako Vukeya had his chance as well moments thereafter. He hesitated for far too long within the box until he lost possession. Young Stars finally opened their account in the 19th minute. Maxwell Mduvhadzha headed home after a corner kick that was taken by Aluwani Managa.

Referee Freddy Baloyi flashed the first yellow card in the 24th minute. Simon Shivanda of Mashau kicked Shadrack Mamphwe off-the-ball and the referee took no time before flashing yellow. The Mashau team retaliated in the 37th minute. Nicky Mukona gave the ball the final touch after a scramble within the box. Both sides used all their substitution chances in the last half.

Gumani fought the last 18 minutes with their hands tied behind their backs. Their central defender, Vongani Khosa, was given his marching orders, following a second bookable offence against Lucky Munyai. Realizing their scoring chances were slim, Young Stars abandoned their positions and played defensive football for the remaining part of the game.

The winner was determined through a penalty shoot-out as the score was still 1-1 when the referee blew the final whistle.