In their losers’ final match of the MMK Administrators Promotional play-offs at the Rabali Stadium on Sunday, Makovha All Stars proved all the critics wrong by beating Tshakhuma RO United 2-1.

The Stars meant business from the onset, with their strikers, Emmanuel Neswiswi and Nkateko Khosa, giving the United defenders no time to breathe. United's full back, Khathutshelo Mukomafhedzi, denied the Stars numerous sure goals within the first 20 minutes of the game.

Stars came close to scoring in the eighth minute when their left flank, Emmanuel Neswiswi, beat two defenders in a row before facing Mukomafhedzi, who easily dispossessed him. Mukomafhedzi made another save two minutes later. This time around he cleared away a sure goal with a header.

Tshakhuma RO United gained momentum as the game progressed. They were the first to find the net. Their bulldozer striker, Lufuno “CJ” Mugodi, forced his way through the defence of Stars in the 24th minute. Instead of unleashing from the edge of the box, Mugodi chose to share his luck with Mulisa Luvhengo, who beat the keeper with a ground cutter.

The goal seemed to have been a real insult to the players of Stars. They regrouped from behind, slowly but surely taking the game to their opponents. Their efforts did not pass without reward as they found the equalizer nine minutes before half time. Mashudu Muthabeni blasted in a ground cutter from the 25-meter area, with the keeper watching helplessly, to bring the half-time score to 1-1.

The Stars introduced Vhatali Munyai and Humbelani Mulaudzi for Emmanuel Neswiswi and Rialivhuwa Tshitevhe respectively in the 56th minute. The goal that separated the boys from the men came in the 78th minute. Nkateko Khosa scored with a header after a corner kick that was taken by Mashudu Muthabeni.