Sambandou United Professionals booked a place in the quarterfinal stage of the Mulindavhathu Soccer Challenge by beating Damani Powerlines 3-1 at the Khubvi Tshiseluselu grounds on Saturday.

Professionals, or Sapro as they are known, were unstoppable from the onset. Their strikers, Gundo Ndou and Lavhelesani Mulebo, forced Powerlines to play with their backs against the wall throughout the game. They scored their opening goal in the 19th minute. Gundo Ndou hooked in a loose ball, following a scramble within the box.

Powerlines gained momentum towards the end of the first half. Sapro enjoyed their lead until the proceedings for the first half came to an end. Powerlines replaced Muandanyi Netshidzivhani with Nzumbululo Nthangeni in the opening minutes of the last half.

Powerlines started to play attacking football and found the equalizer in the 59th minute. A defender of Sapro, Rihangwele Munzhelele, handled the ball within the box and it was a clear penalty for Powerlines. Avhavhudzani Mukundwa made no mistake from the white spot.

Sapro effected two changes to their starting linenup in the 64th minute. They replaced Gundo Ndou and Rodney Marubini with Gundo Munzhelele and Avhapfani Matamela respectively.

Powerlines lost cohesion in the middle of the park after Sapro’s replacements. Theshano Munasi of Sapro was warned with a card for a late tackle on Dakalo Munyai in the 74th minute. Sapro took the lead again in the 76th minute. Matodzi Muvhango scored with a header, following a corner kick that was taken by Lavhelesani Mulebo.

Powerlines lost hope after Sapro scored their third goal in the 80th minute. Theshano Munasi scored with a volley from the 25-meter area. Masala Mushezha of Powerlines was given his marching orders for swearing at the referee late in the game.