Online Reporter
Curtworth Masango
Zimpapers Sports Hub
Zimbabwe Defence Forces . . . . . . . . (1) 2
Zambia Defence Forces . . . . . . . . . . . . 0
IN the end it was the hosts Zimbabwe, who walked out of a packed Rufaro with the bragging rights after delivering a clinical performance to overpower neighbours and Zambian counterparts in a thrilling Defences Forces Day Trophy football final.
Sausani Mudimba and Nigel Hunga struck in either half to secure a well-deserved victory for Zimbabwe.
On a day when the Zambian Defence Forces’ rearguard struggled to contain the hosts’ relentless attack, it became a question of when and not if Zimbabwe would find a breakthrough.
And the breakthrough duly arrived twice in either half with Mudimba and Hunga finding their range.
Victory left ZDF and Black Rhinos coach Weddington Chinyan’anya an elated man.
Chinyan’anya credited his tactical awareness and prior experience with Chapungu for the win, adding that he had assembled a cohesive unit that had spent more time together in camp in preparation for yesterday’s match.
The Zimbabwe team drew the bulk of their players from army side Black Rhinos and air force outfit Chapungu.
“I’m thrilled with this win on such a special occasion.
“Having previously coached Chapungu, I had a clear vision of the players at my disposal, which made team selection seamless,’’ Chinyan’anya.
His Zambian counterpart Dennis Banda, remained philosophical in defeat, acknowledging the challenges of hastily assembling a squad.
“The result doesn’t reflect our effort,’’ Banda said.
“Considering we were brought together at short notice, I’m proud of how we competed. Ultimately, we came to celebrate with our Zimbabwean brothers on their big day.’’
The hosts seized control early on when Mudimba, darting past the Zambian backline, lofted a precise finish over goalkeeper Munyao Danny in the 11th minute.
That early strike helped Zimbabwe to settle their nerves before an expectant crowd that filled Rufaro to the rafters.
Zimbabwe continued to dictate play, with Thulani Ndimande missing a headed chance in the 20th minute, while Mudimba nearly doubled his tally soon after but fired wide.
Despite relentless pressure, Zambia seemed to hold firm restricting the hosts from inflicting further damage.
But they crumbled again in the 48th minute.
This time it was Hunga who capitalised on a swift counter-attack, combining with Mudimba before slotting home coolly into an empty net.
The Black Rhinos forward thought he had added another, only to be denied by the assistant referee’s offside flag a few minutes later.
Zambia’s best chances fell to the pair of Chewe Brian and Kabwe Chileshe, but on both occasions they found Zimbabwe goalkeeper and captain Polite Sibanda on guard between the posts, with the Chapungu man pulling off crucial saves to preserve his clean sheet.
A late strike from Lubinda Mundia tested Sibanda again, but he was alert to the threat, ensuring there would be no spoiling of the country’s 45th Defence Forces Day party mood.
The match was played under an electric atmosphere, with a packed Rufaro rallying behind ZDF.
Sibanda was all smiles during the medal presentation as the Minister of Defence Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri handed the trophy and the US$20 000 winners’ cheque to him.
The Zambians received US$15 000 for being runners-up.
