Blessing Embassy beat Nwamandi All Stars 3-1 in their Masebambane Soccer Challenge match at Majozi on Sunday.

Embassy started the game like a house on fire, forcing Stars to play the first 20 minutes with their backs against the wall. A corner kick in the 24th minute resulted in a scramble within the box and Vusi Ntsane scored the only goal for Stars with a header.

A defender of Stars handled the ball within his own penalty area seven minutes later. The referee awarded a penalty to Embassy and Yobo Maluleke scored from the white spot to equalize. The players of Stars were not happy with the referee’s decision to award Embassy a penalty. One of them, Thendo Mufamadi, was reprimanded with a card, following a continued argument with the referee.

Stars were reduced to 10 men six minutes before the half-time whistle. Tiyiselani Maluleke was given his marching orders for a late tackle on Hlalelani Matimisi. Embassy replaced Promise Bilankulu with Vutomi Mathebula shortly after the beginning of the second half.

Stars sacrificed Shibuti Nkuna and Hlaisani Ngwana, who gave way to Given Matjeke and Pandon Mulaudzi respectively. Kulani Mtileni forced his way through the defence of Stars and beat the keeper with a volley to bring the score to 2-1 in the 76th minute.

Stars continued to play entertaining football, despite the setback. They were denied what was arguably a legitimate goal in the 78th minute. Vusani Ntsane’s goal was disallowed on the basis that the scorer was in an offside position. Bonanai Miyabo scored the third for Embassy from a free kick five minutes before full time.