Magau FC were too strong for Tshiozwi Mates when they beat them 2-1 in the Spring tournament at Madombidzha on Sunday.

It was war in the true sense of the word. At first it was Mates who were threatening to find the net, but things changed as the game approached the halfway mark of the first stanza. Andries Masingi, the Mates' right flank, had his chance in the ninth minute after receiving a brilliant pass from Vusi Mamburu. He shot aimlessly from close range and the ball went wide.

Magau regrouped and took the game to their opponents. No goal was seen during the first half, despite numerous attempts by both sides. Magau midfielder Rendani Madau tried his luck from outside the penalty area with a volley. The ball hit the crossbar and bounced across the goal line in the 54th minute.

Magau continued to dominate after the goal, but they were not lucky enough to increase the margin as their opponents were rock solid at the back. Mates strengthened their striking force by introducing Khathutshelo Tshinanga for Mashudu Ramaligela in the 68th minute.

The keeper of Mates, Ronewa Muvhali, denied Magau’s strikers numerous sure goals. Tshepo Ranku of Magau unleashed a volley from the edge of the box in the 79th minute. Muvhali made his presence felt when he stretched to the limit to pull off a brilliant save.

Tshepo Ranku beat the offside trap and blasted in a ground cutter from inside the box to make the final score 2-1.