Makovha All Stars booked a place in the next stage of the prestigious Nedbank Cup KO competition by beating Muswodi Happy Fighters 3-1 in their opening match at the Makwarela Stadium on Sunday.

All Stars approached the game aggressively, with their strikers showing a great appetite for goals. Their efforts did not pass without reward as they opened their account four minutes into the game. The former Rockers FC striker, Emmanuel Neswiswi, made his presence felt by beating the keeper with a close-range rocket.

The goal was an insult to Happy Fighters. They fought back and two minutes later they were awarded a free kick just outside the box after Maanda Munyai was brought down. Takalani Tshitangoni blasted in a volley. The effort of All Stars' keeper, Powell Ndou, was not good enough to save the goal as the ball hit the crossbar and landed across the goal line.

Happy Fighters effected only one change to their original line-up. They introduced Joseph Munzhelele for Helman Manenzhe in the 34th minute.

Happy Fighters lost shape in the middle of the park in the last half. Realizing that their scoring chances were slim, All Stars introduced three new faces in the first quarter of the last half. They brought on Khathu Tshabetha, Nkateko Khosa and Mufhati Simani for Matimba Mabasa, Theo Tshitevhe and Rendani Netswinga respectively. The replacements marked the turning point of the game as All Stars scored two goals within the space of ten minutes.

Mashudu Muthabeni forced his way through the defence of Fighters and scored in the 67th minute. Emmanuel Neswiswi did the same eight minutes later. Mkateko Khosa of All Stars, who came on as a substitute, was given his marching orders for dangerous play in the 79th minute.