In their final round-robin match in the Mulindavhathu Soccer Challenge at the Khubvi Tshiseluselu grounds on Saturday, Mutale Vikings registered a 5-4 victory at the expense of Vhutalu Mountain Rangers.

Rangers were the first to find the net. They opened their account in the fifth minute. Tshilisanani Phalanndwa beat the keeper with a long-range ground cutter. Vikings did not panic. They continued to play their normal attacking football as if nothing had happened.

A defender of Mountain Rangers, Sharlen Munyamela, handled the ball within his own danger area. The referee awarded a penalty to Vikings. Muvhuso Nemaguvhuni converted. In the 18th minute, Livhuwani Nengome of Rangers was booked for a dangerous tackle.

Vikings took the game to Rangers afterwards. They were leading 3-1 when the teams adjourned for half time. Their second goal came in the 29th minute. Innocent Nephalama dribbled past the advancing keeper and scored with a loose ball. Nephalama was on target again in the 38th minute. This time around, he forced his way through and blasted in a rocket from inside the box.

A heated argument ensued between the keeper of Vikings, Funzani Nephalama, and the referee, Mr Calvin Nemavhola, over allegations that the referee was biased. Realizing that Nephalama would not stop from bombarding him with words, the referee gave him his marching orders.

Rangers reduced the margin four minutes into the last half. They were awarded a penalty after a defender of Vikings handled within the box. Sharlen Munyanela scored to make it 3-2. Vikings scored the fourth via Morris Managa. Rangers scored their third and the equalizer in quick succession through Joshua Gandamipfa and Tshilisanani Phalanndwa respectively.

Morris Managa scored the Vikings’ winning goal in the dying minutes of the game.