Sidumisile Mabena
MWOS 2-1 Byo Chiefs
Veronica Gwaze in Norton
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LLOYD MUTASA went all in — and this time, it paid off. After three consecutive draws, MWOS finally found their breakthrough, beating Bulawayo Chiefs 2-1 at Ngoni yesterday to inject momentum into their season.
Mutasa abandoned caution and set up his side with clear attacking intent, fielding four forwards in a bold tactical shift that gave MWOS early control and, crucially, produced goals.
Namibian striker Dawid Ndeunyema and Arthur Banda both struck in the first half to give the hosts a deserved advantage, with Anesu Saiti briefly pulling Chiefs level in between.
The victory ends a frustrating run of stalemates against Hunters, TelOne and Highlanders, offering MWOS a much-needed lift after a sluggish start.
Mutasa’s plan was evident from the opening minutes. The four-man attack stretched Chiefs across the width of the pitch, while a disciplined defensive line held shape behind them. The balance allowed MWOS to dominate territory without exposing themselves unnecessarily.
They opened the scoring in the 20th minute when Ndeunyema reacted quickest inside the area, firing low past the goalkeeper.
The goal settled MWOS, though they briefly allowed their tempo to drop — an invitation Chiefs accepted. The visitors equalised in the 37th minute when Saiti found space and finished from close range after a lapse in concentration.
MWOS, however, responded with purpose. Just before the interval, Jeremiah Makangira delivered a teasing cross that Tinotenda Mutyambizi flicked into Banda’s path, and the forward confidently restored the lead.
With a 2-1 advantage at the break, MWOS re-emerged with a more cautious mindset, dropping deeper and attempting to protect what they had.
Chiefs nearly punished them early in the second-half after forcing their way into the box, but Farau Matare hesitated at the critical moment, allowing Innocent Zambezi to intervene and clear the danger.
MWOS continued to threaten on the counter, with Makangira again exploiting space on the flank, though Ndeunyema squandered a close-range opportunity.
The match’s decisive moment arrived soon after. Goalkeeper Francis Tizayi brought down Saiti inside the box, handing Chiefs a clear chance to equalise — but Tizayi redeemed himself superbly, diving to save Brian Muza’s penalty and preserve MWOS’s lead.
The stop steadied MWOS.
Chiefs coach Thulani Nyikadzino threw on more attacking options in search of a way back, pushing his side forward with greater urgency, but they could not unlock a defence that grew increasingly assured as full-time approached.
Tizayi was called upon again in the closing stages, producing a crucial late save to deny Claivert Tshuma with four minutes remaining.
Online Reporter