Phungo All Stars failed to absorb the pressure from Rockers FC, who narrowly beat them 1-0 in their MMK Funeral Services League match at the Makwarela Stadium on Sunday.

The game provided entertainment from the onset. It took the referee only nine minutes to flash the first yellow card. Andries Khaukanani of Rockers was reprimanded for ignoring the referee’s whistle. He kicked the ball away long after the referee had blown the whistle for an offside.

Phungo All Stars introduced a new face to their starting lineup in the 19th minute. They replaced Ndivhuwo Leshiba with Mashudu Nevhutonda.

The keeper of All Stars, Rendani Ratshifheti, made his presence felt in the 24th minute. Rasta Tshivhula of Rockers unleashed a half volley from inside the box. Ratshifheti braved the shot and executed a brilliant save. The Rockers front runners did not lose hope, despite all the odds. They regrouped from behind and thus made life more difficult to the defenders of All Stars.

Phungo All Stars came close to scoring in the 34th minute. Rialivhuwa Muthivhi received a beautiful pass from Maanda Malanga within the box and hesitated for far too long until he lost possession. Rockers solidified their midfield by introducing Rotondwa Kutame and sacrificed Andries Khaukanani. That proved to be a clever move on the part of the Rockers’ technical staff.

The goal which separated the boys from men came in the 67th minute. Rasta Tshivhula headed home after a corner kick that was taken by Phathutshedzo Nemutamvuni. All Stars took the game to the visitors after the goal, but it was difficult for them to find their way through the defence of Rockers. The Stars replaced Khodani Mudau with Moloko Machaba later in the game.