Zim defence forces win

encounter at the National Sports Stadium yesterday.
Muhoni who plays for Northern Region Division outfit Black Rhinos struck his double either side of the break as the hosts made a mockery of the fact that their opponents were drawn from a higher league than them.
Zimbabwe’s players came from Division One sides — Chapungu and Rhinos — while the Zambians drew their players from that country’s Premiership with the majority coming from Green Buffaloes.
Muhoni opened his account in the fourth minute and sealed his double three minutes after the restart.
Victor Bandura then added the third for Zimbabwe eight minutes from time to guarantee skipper Phillip Marufu and his troops the trophy and the US$6 000 prize money.
Former Dynamos and FC Lupopo striker Marufu might not have found his name on the scoresheet but he combined well with Muhoni to entertain the big crowd at the National Sports Stadium where entry was free of charge.
Marufu used his speed and experience to give the Zambian defenders a torrid time as the hosts dominated from the onset.
Zimbabwe’s Lot Chiunga also had a goal disallowed for offside just before the breather after receiving a pass from Muhoni.
Three minutes after the restart, Muhoni found possession inside the box and packed a shot into the nets sending the crowd into frenzy.
Even though the second half was not as lively as the first period, Zimbabwe killed the match as a contest when Bandura left his marker for dead and fired home the third goal.
The Zambian soldiers only got two meaningful chances when veteran goalkeeper Britto Gwere was forced to make as many saves, the first being from a long range effort by defender Crispen Chipango in the first half and towards the end when he blocked a shot by Peter Mutale.
Due to the congested progarmme of the day the match was reduced to 35 minutes for each half.
Once the final whistle had been blown, it was time for Marufu and his men to celebrate with the silverware which was handed to them by the guest of honour and Minister of Defence Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Chapungu mentor John Nyikadzino took charge of the Zimbabwe Select side and was happy that they had overcome their Zambian rivals.
Nyikadzino said he was happy that they prevailed over their neighbours and displayed a good game for the crowd. The guys really played well and I am happy with the performance. It was an exciting game and Zambia didn’t manage to create chances. There are some players who failed to feature in this game as they had club commitments but we would have wanted to use them as we have a big pool of good players from our army teams,” said Nyikadzino.
Teams:
Zimbabwe: Britto Gwere, Charles Murisa, Tichaona Munyen’enyi, Mathew Mahala, Pascal Shonhai, Ranga Sibanda(Martin Mine 42nd minute), Walter Masenda, Lot Chiunga(Victor Bandura 42nd minute), Brighton Chandisaita, Philip Marufu, Lazarus Muhoni.

Zambia: Isaac Chilenga, Crispen Chipango(Andrew Phiri 55th minute), Joseph Zimba, Sydney Lombe, Ennex Masiya, Obrey Lusambo, Kequinn Masakanya, Allen Busiku, Jeff Kapelwa, Morgan Hanjema(Brian Kembo 55th minute), Peter Mutale.