Online Reporter
Media Mpofu, Zimpapers Sports Hub
IT was billed as a title defining showdown, but neither side blinked.
Chapungu Queens and Herentals Queens played out a tense 1–1 draw in Gweru over the weekend in a top of the table clash that left the Women’s Premier Soccer League title race wide open.
Rudo Neshamba fired Chapungu ahead just three minutes into the game, giving the home side a dream start. But Herentals hit back before halftime, with Prayance Zwawanda finding the net in the 39th minute to level matters.
Neshamba, who remains the league’s second highest goal scorer with 14 goals this season, was a constant threat. Still, Chapungu couldn’t find a winner in front of their home crowd.
Despite the draw, Chapungu managed to hold onto top spot with 37 points, equal with Correctional Queens, who now leap into second place thanks to a better goal difference. Herentals slip to third, two points behind.
Chapungu secretary Talent Chitsaka praised his side’s resilience, especially given the injury challenges they’re facing.
“We are grateful for this good run thus far, and we hope to keep working hard for us to remain where we are. It’s not easy, but it can be achieved,” said Chitsaka.
Herentals coach Simbarashe Dedza was upbeat despite the result, saying both teams showed their pedigree.
In Bulawayo, Highlanders Royals cruised to a 2–0 win over Red Buffalo Academy, while Mpopoma Sports Academy extended their unbeaten streak to four games with an impressive 3–1 victory over Sheasham Gweru Queens.
Leonah Arimon opened the scoring for Mposa in the fourth minute, followed by Michelle Mhlanga three minutes later. Thando Sibanda sealed it in the 87th. Sheasham managed a consolation goal in the 63rd, courtesy of Sifikile Sibanda.
Weekend Results:
Faith Drive 0–4 Black Rhinos
Red Buffalo 0–2 Highlanders Royals
Chapungu Queens 1–1 Herentals Queens
Correctional Queens 1–0 Harare City
Cranborne Royals 2–0 Black Mambas
MPOSA 3–1 Sheasham Queens
Platinum Royals 4–0 Conduit SA
Maningi YSA 4–0 Kwekwe United Queens
League Standings
Team P W D L F A Pts
C/ Queens 14 12 1 1 50 3 37
C/ Queens 14 12 1 1 41 6 37
H/ Queens 14 11 2 1 47 6 35
B/ Rhinos 14 9 2 3 48 9 29
P/ Royals 12 9 0 3 36 8 27
S/ Queens 13 7 1 5 23 23 22
Faith Drive 13 7 0 6 29 18 21
M/ SA 12 6 2 4 19 13 20
H/ Royals 14 6 1 7 16 22 19
Harare City 13 4 3 6 22 23 15
K/ Queens 14 5 0 9 15 25 15
Conduit SA 14 4 2 8 10 36 14
M/ YSA 14 4 1 9 21 30 13
C/ Royals 13 2 2 9 7 25 8
B/ Mambas 14 1 0 13 5 45 3
Red Buffalo 14 0 0 14 5 104 0
