Munangwe United Brothers fought hard to secure a place in the quarterfinal stage of the MTG and PIB Soccer Challenge when they beat Makhuvha All Stars 7-6 at the Khubvi Benjies grounds on Sunday.

As if they were going to bury United Brothers alive, All Stars opened their account when the game was only five minutes old. Their slender striker, Shane Munyai, blasted in a rocket from the left corner. As if he was a spectator, the keeper of United Brothers watched helplessly as the ball went beyond his reach.

Shane Munyai missed a fortune moments later. He miskicked the ball from inside the box, with the keeper already beaten.

United Brothers took the game to Stars. They were awarded a penalty after a defender of Stars, Dakalo Nedzingahe, handled the ball within the box. Jeffrey Mabasa converted from the white spot to bring the half time score to 1-1.

United Brothers effected one change to their original line-up earlier in the last half. They introduced Witness Hobyani for Tendani Mphaphuli in the 54th minute. All Stars responded by replacing Enock Magoro with Talifhani Matange.

United Brothers took the lead in the 67th minute. Avhatodi Maungedzo beat the keeper with a long-range volley. United Brothers relaxed on the ball after their second goal. They were severely punished for that. The Stars were awarded a free kick two minutes before the final whistle. Talifhani Matange, who came on as a substitute, scored from the free kick. The winners was determined through a penalty shoot-out as the full time score was 2-2.

United Brothers converted all their five chances, while Stars missed one.