AFTER a second attempt in the Motherwell Football Association (MOFA) Welcome Home Tournament Cup Finals, the Motherwell FC were finally crowned as the winners after they defeated Lion City FC 2-1, at the Motherwell NU 2 Stadium, on Sunday.
Amabhayinari, as FC Motherwell are affectionately called by their loyal supporters, lost to Shining Stars FC on their previous visit to the final.
Their road to final commenced when they overcame the tough Liverpool 1-0 in the quarter-finals at the Motherwell NU 2 Stadium on Saturday. It was a crunch time as Amabhayinari beat Young Tigers 4-3 on penalties after their full-time goalless draw during the semi-finals at the same venue on Sunday.
Things looked easier for Lion City as they drubbed Ambassadors 6-0 during their quarter-finals on Saturday.
Lion City, who were fancied as hot favourites, eliminated Manchester FC 4-2, during their semi-finals on Sunday.
In the final, Amabhayinari took the game to City, as they launched the attack from the outset.
Lathitha Mhlekwa put FC Motherwell ahead after he was rewarded with a top-notch goal halfway through the first half of the match.
FC Motherwell increased their lead to 2-0, thanks to a goal from Luzuko Mqawu.
City came up strongly, with Buhle Mpofana scoring his side’s consolation goal late in the second half.
FC Motherwell lifted the floating trophy, and they scooped the first prize of R4 000 and 24 gold medals. Lion City went home with R2 000 and 24 silver medals. The losing semi-finalists got R500 each.
The referee, Mninikhaya Mtuzula, received a medal for his outstanding performance.
