Table Newcomers booked a place in the next round of the prestigious Total Soccer Challenge KO Competition. They beat Mbilwi United Stars 4-2 victory at the Lufule ground on Sunday.

The victory did not come cheaply, as the winner was determined through a penalty shoot-out after a goalless full-time score.

United Stars had themselves to blame for the defeat as they could have sealed the game within the regulated time. Their strikers let them down on countless occasions, but Newcomers’ keeper, Godfrey Mavhina, also denied them obvious goals.

In the first place it was their right flank, Ndivhoniswani Muthabo, who caused an upset. He received a pre-cooked pass from Lutendo Ravele and took too long to unleash until he lost possession. Lufuno Tshisikule went loose from the left corner and unleashed a volley. The keeper of Newcomers, Godfrey Mavhina, made his presence felt by palming the ball away for a corner kick, much to the disappointment of the Stars’ fans.

The visitors from Mbilwi solidified their midfield by introducing Mulalo Netshandama for Tshifhiwa Ramaphosa. Although United Stars continued to enjoy ball possession in the last half, they could not find their way through the defence of Newcomers. Mpho Nefale of Newcomers was cautioned for handling the ball intentionally in the 68th minute.

No extra time was added at the end of the regulated time and the teams went straight to penalty shoot-out. Newcomers converted four of their chances through Azwiambwi Mugeri, Lugisani Luvhimbi, Vhonani Magoda and Rofhiwa Nembudani, while Stars scored only two.