Trust Rukwava
Centre News Sports Hub
Mucheke Stadium- Masvingo United are back in contention for the coveted Pacific Storm Eastern Region Soccer League crown after dispatching their local rivals FC Wangu Mazodze 3-2 in a hotly contested local derby.
The much hyped derby which produced 5 goals lived up to expectations with both sets of fans getting real value for their money in a packed Mucheke Stadium.
The derby began on a high note with both teams deploying the high press strategy seeking the opener.
It was FC Wangu Mazodze who broke the deadlock in the 14th minute through a free kick executed with precision by Raphinose Kusizani which gave Quinton Muchena the Una Una goal minder no chance.
FC Wangu Mazodze could have extended their lead but Una Una goalkeeper Quinton Muchena pulled off brilliant saves.
Tinotenda Nyandoro restored parity for Una Una in the 34th minute.
The tight encounter went to half time tied at 1 all giving the coaches the chance to restrategise with their charges.
The second half saw both teams showing hunger for goals but could not breach each other.
Una Una took the lead in the 54th minute after a brilliant round of play which saw Amicable Sibanda slotting home.
Una Una added a third extending their advantage through a Hillary Bakacheza effort in the 66th minute much to the delirium of their legion of fans.
From thereon it was Una Una in attack seeking a fourth but the Kingdom Boys also created their own fair share of chances balancing the attacks.
FC Wangu Mazodze did not fizzle out and piled pressure which yielded an 88th minute goal to put the scores at 3-2 heading into an epic finish.
3-2 it ended with Una Una earning derby bragging rights.
Masvingo United spokesperson Omen Mafa said it was a good day in office in which they dominated a local derby.
“It is always good to dominate and get 3 points in a derby. We thank our fans who outnumbered the home team in terms of support and we want to urge our supporters to continue rallying behind the boys. Our opponents were the first to score but our boys did not relax they fought and came back for the win. Our focus shifts to the next assignment. We remain the team of the Province and it was indeed proven today” said Mafa.
FC Wangu Mazodze spokesperson Courage Kandira said it was a tough match in which they gave their all but ended on the losing side.
“A tense and competitive match. Unfortunately, it wasn’t our day but the boys played to their level best. We failed to utilise many chances in the first half.” said Kandira.
