LIMPOPO – Mpheni Home Defenders FC secured a hard-fought victory with a fortunate goal in their Nedbank Cup match against Munaca FC at Giyani Stadium on Sunday.

In a match that started with Mpheni on the receiving end from all directions, the outcome was almost certain.

Everyone in the stadium had already concluded that they would lose the game. However, while Munaca FC squandered multiple scoring opportunities, largely due to the efforts of Mpheni’s goalkeeper who continually frustrated their attacks, Mpheni capitalised on their only shot at the keeper to take the lead in the first half.

While Munaca continued their relentless attacks in an attempt to level the score, Mpheni, on the other hand, looked helpless, unable to defend effectively or push their opponents back past the centre line.

Munaca FC dominated both the first half and the second half effortlessly, pinning Mpheni in their half. Unfortunately, luck was not on their side, as they were unable to score despite their impressive play, which left Mpheni looking helpless.

Despite their 1-0 victory, Mpheni’s prospects for advancing to the next round seem bleak based on their performance. Significant changes will be needed from the coach to strengthen the squad if they hope to succeed.

Meanwhile, another Nedbank Cup match played on the same day at Xikukwani Stadium, also in Giyani, saw Vondwe XI Bullets being knocked out of the Nedbank Cup challenge by United Artists, a team who typically performed poorly in the ABC Motsepe League.

This came after both teams drew 1-1 during regular play, forcing the match into a penalty shootout, where United Artists triumphed 7-6 over Vondwe XI Bullets. As a result, United Artists will face Mpheni Home Defenders on a date yet to be announced.

The winner of this match will then face the champion of the ABC Motsepe Stream B, with the victor going on to represent Limpopo in the Nedbank Cup Challenge. Mpheni will likely advance to face the Stream B team, because the team that posed the biggest threat, Vondwe XI Bullets, was eliminated by United Artists in a penalty shootout.

Despite their current poor form, Mpheni FC do not appear to be a team likely to lose against United Artists.

Meanwhile, all Mopani teams in the ABC Motsepe Stream A league were eliminated on the same day, with both Nkowankowa Continental and Winners Park being knocked out on Sunday.