After winning their first four promotional play-off matches, Wayeni Sea Robbers suffered their first defeat when they lost 1-3 to Makonde Home Defenders at the Tshifulanani Stadium on Sunday.

Sea Robbers had nothing to lose, as they had already collected 12 points in the previous matches, which qualified them to be crowned the overall champions. Despite that, Sea Robbers did not give away the game without a fight. They spent the first 15 minutes studying Defenders, after which they took the game to their opponents by creating some dangerous moves from the centre of the pitch.

The game was 24 minutes old when Sea Robbers scored their solitary goal. Their Rastafarian striker, Forget Baloyi, made no mistake after receiving a square pass from Ronald Nkuna. That was a wake-up call to the strikers of Home Defenders.

Ronald Nkuna of Sea Robbers was the first go into the referee’s book. He tackled Michael Munyai from behind and the referee was lenient enough to let him go with yellow.

Home Defenders retaliated nine minutes before the teams adjourned for half time. It was their diminutive striker, Nakisani Netshilungwi, who made it happen. He caught the Robbers’ keeper, Rofhiwa Khomola, off guard and blasted in a rocket from close range.

Sea Robbers effected two changes to their starting line-up earlier in the last half. That did not stop Home Defenders from scoring their second goal. Lawrence Makhale unleashed from the edge of the box and the keeper watched helplessly as the ball hit the back of the net. Hitler Baloyi and Forget Baloyi, both of Sea Robbers, were also booked for dangerous tackles. Michael Munyai scored the third after a rebound later in the game.