Online Reporter
Don Makanyanga in Mhondoro-Ngezi
Zimpapers Sports Hub
Ngezi Platinum Stars . . . . . . . 1 (0)
Yadah . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 (1)
YADAH FC pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season so far, stunning Ngezi Platinum Stars with a shock 2-1 away win at Baobab Stadium yesterday.
Goals in either half by Francis Mustafa and Vincent Sango ensured the Miracle Boys sealed a much-needed victory, only their second of the campaign.
Mustafa opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 17th minute, before Sango hammered home the winner 15 minutes from time, after Ngezi had briefly drawn level in the 68th minute. Determined to protect their home turf, Ngezi Platinum Stars showed plenty of early intent, pinning Yadah back from the first whistle.
But Yadah goalkeeper Taimon Mvula turned in a heroic man-of-the-match performance, frustrating Ngezi’s forwards with a series of stunning saves. Apart from Mvula’s heroics, the 2023 champions were also guilty of wastefulness, squandering several golden chances in the first half.
Against the run of play, Yadah struck first. Referee Lawrence Zimondi awarded the visitors a penalty after captain Vincent Sango was brought down by Kudzai Chigwida, and Mustafa made no mistake from 12 yards.
The goal injected confidence into the Miracle Boys, who thereafter matched Ngezi pound-for-pound for the remainder of the half.
After the break, Ngezi intensified the pressure and eventually found a way through. McDonald Makuwe rose highest to head home a Nyasha Gurende free-kick from the right, restoring parity in the 68th minute.
However, Yadah reclaimed the lead seven minutes later through another counter-attack. Sango showed great composure to volley home from distance, catching Ngezi goalkeeper Darlington Murasiranwa off his line.
Yadah could have extended their lead in the 88th minute when they were awarded a second penalty, again stemming from a swift counter that ended with Evans Rusike being fouled by Gurende, but Innocent Muchaneka’s effort hit the upright.
Nevertheless, two goals proved enough to secure a famous victory for Ikarbort Masocha’s side.
“It is a sweet victory for us. We deserved what we got,” said a delighted Masocha after the match.
“What makes it even more special is that we managed to beat the former champions, which is something very encouraging for the club and the boys.” Ngezi coach Takesure Chiragwi admitted frustration.
“We did everything we could, but we couldn’t get the result we wanted. Again, I think we were punished after missing numerous chances,” said Chiragwi.
