Smilling FC win on penalties

The games also included Uruguay and Mighty Callies FC.
The team in yellow
defeated their nemesis, Uruguay FC 6-5 in penalties after a gruelling 90 minutes
of soccer. Smiling’s winning penalty was scored in sudden death by midfielder
kingpin Sello Maphanga after the teams drew 1-1.
The two clubs entertained
the goal-hungry crowd, displaying shibobos but failed to score during the
chances created. Smiling controlled the first half and were rewarded when lethal
striker Isaac Ngwatle capitalised on a blunder by Uruguay’s defence. He beat an
offside trap and looped the ball leaving Uruguay’s goalie Evans Lewela in
no-man’s-land and sending the vociferous crowd into rapture. The teams went to
the interval with Smiling leading 1-0.
In the second stanza Uruguay came out
guns blazing, attacking the host with their pacy wingers. The pressure finally
yielded results when on-form striker Abram “Majoro” Mpondo equalised with a
stunning header in the 78th minute.
Gaining confidence, Uruguay managed a
series of attacks but goalkeeper Mpumi Mohlala was up to the task, pulling off
two stupendous saves in the dying minutes of the match. The referee blew the
final whistle, indicating the match was going to be decided on the dreaded
penalties.
Both teams managed to score their first five penalties but in
sudden death, drama ensued when Uruguay’s key man Mpho Nonyane fluffed his
penalty over the posts. Sello Maphanga managed to slot his spot kick coolly,
giving his team a much-needed and morale-boosting win.
Coach of Smiling,
Hosea Mashaba, applauded his team for winning the tournament. He said their
fitness level was the key in deciding the match.
“We played three matches on
the day and still dished a great performance. Our boys are training hard for the
tournaments.”
In the early game, Mighty Callies lost 5-4 on penalties against
the champions of the day, Smiling. The teams drew 1-1. This weekend the
tournament will take place at Uruguay’s home ground in Ga Manoke.