Berea FC secured a place in the semi-final of the Mulindavhathu Soccer Challenge by beating Mulodi Freedom Birds 2-0 at the Khubvi Benjies Grounds on Saturday.

The combination of Takalani “Sticker” Ramagalela and his younger brother, Michael, was a thorn in the flesh of the defenders of Berea. Their original stamina vanished over time, giving Berea sufficient time to regroup from behind.

Edwin “Cafu” Ramphabana, Berea’s bulldozer striker, was caught in an offside position on countless occasions. Realizing that his strikers seemed to have forgotten their scoring boots at home, the team’s captain, Dakalo Ratshitanga, abandoned his position and advanced to the forefront to assist his front runners.

The scoreboard was still blank at the end of the first half, even though Berea were enjoying ball possession in the last 10 minutes of the half.

Freedom Birds were the first effect change to their starting line-up. They introduced Baldwin Mukhuba and sacrificed Dakalo Sengani in the 54^th minute.

Berea opened their account in the 65^th minute. A scramble within the Birds’ danger area gave rise to Berea’s goal. Wavhudi Mukwevho blasted in a rocket, following a beautiful pass by Edwin Ramphabana. Berea replaced Mukwevho with Rophuluswa Mavhungu shortly after the goal.

Freedom Birds threatened to score in the 74^th minute. Mulanga Tshilukwa dribbled past two Berea defenders and unleashed a half volley from the edge of the box. The ball missed the target by inches, much to the fans’ disappointment.

Berea increased the margin in the 78^th minute. Edwin Ramphabana headed home, following a free kick by Dakalo Ratshitanga. Tshilidzi Mundalamo of Berea was cautioned with a card for dangerous play towards the end of the game.