The defending champions, FC KK, secured a place in the final of the Amos Shield Soccer Tournament by beating Maweja Takers 3-1 in the semifinal at the Tshakhuma Malaria grounds on Sunday.

This was a replay match after the two teams played to a goalless draw at the same venue two weeks ago. KK deserved to win from the onset, but the winner was determined through a penalty shoot-out as the scoreboard was still blank at the end of regulation time.

KK squandered three obvious chances in the opening minutes. Konanani Sibara caused an upset. He received a pre-cooked pass from his captain, Itani Ngange, and fumbled at the goal finish and ultimately lost possession. The overlapping defender, Londani Davhula, penetrated through the defence of Maweja and unleashed a volley from the edge of the box. The ball hit the side net, much to the disappointment of the team’s fans.

That was a wake-up call to the players of Takers. They took the game to their opponents for the remaining part of the first half. They came close to scoring in the 39th minute when their captain, Khuliso Netshaulu, forced his way through the defence of KK and shot wide from just outside the box.

KK replaced Rendani Mudau and Percy Mabasa with Mashudu Malusha and Shudu Nemavhulani in the 49th and 54th minute respectively. KK were denied what everybody thought was a clear penalty in the 67th minute. Dakalo Mashanzhe was brought down within the box but the referee, Mr Calvin Nemavhola, awarded a free kick, implying that the incident had happened outside the box.

KK did not lose their original fighting spirit, despite the heartbreaking incident. Takers managed to convert only one of the five chances from the white spot, while KK scored three via Itani Ngane, Dakalo Mashanzhe and Zwido Mulaudzi.

FC KK will meet Tshakhuma Na Ndilani FC in the final next weekend at a venue still to be announced.