Hunyani United (4) – Mannyset (1)
HUNYANI United FC made a powerful statement in their ZIFA Eastern Region Division 2B debut, thrashing fellow newcomers Mannyset FC 4-1 at the Harare International Airport Stadium on Sunday.
The home side wasted no time, taking the lead in the very first minute through Blessing Mangiza.
However, the visitors from Mutoko fought back quickly. Peter Tsuro found the back of the net in the 18th minute to level the score. The rest of the first half was a balanced, end-to-end contest.
Hunyani had a slight edge but missed several chances to regain the lead, leaving the teams tied 1-1 at the break.
In the second half, Hunyani took complete control. Captain Ronaldo Musaravati broke the deadlock in the 63rd minute. After receiving a pinpoint pass from Hilary Moyosvi, Musaravati calmly slotted the ball past the goalkeeper’s right, sending the travelling legion of fans into ecstasy.
Just six minutes later, Man of the Match Moyosvi turned from provider to goalscorer. He produced a spectacular solo effort, sending a defender the wrong way and rounding the goalkeeper to tap into an empty net, extending the lead to 3-1.
Deep in stoppage time, Vunganayi Mafuseni put the icing on the cake to seal the 4-1 victory with a fine finish.
Mannyset head coach Clever Kanyama admitted that the loud home crowd played a factor in his team’s second-half collapse. He noted that they played a very good game to force a stalemate at halftime.
Being their first game in the league, they fancied their chances, but Kanyama felt the fans’ noise worked to the disadvantage of his players. He added that they will take the positives and work on their shortcomings heading into the next match, which will likely be a double-header requiring them to be twice prepared.
Hunyani FC head coach Basil Makoni was pleased with the result but noted that his newly formed team still has work to do.
“Since we’re only three weeks into existence, we’re still trying combinations,” Makoni said.
“We managed to score in the first minute, which gave us confidence. But when they hit back, my guys dropped off. In the second half, we made quick substitutions that changed the complexion of the game. We need to work more on combinations and prove we’re not here to stay in Division 2.”
The match was overseen by referee Noel Karonga and assistants Hannah Karakadzai and Clemence Maguta.
Hunyani’s club hierarchy was in attendance to witness the winning dawn. Chairperson Jeremy Mnangagwa, deputy chairperson and Deputy Minister of Tourism Tongai Mnangagwa, and the club patron were all present as the leadership earmarked a quick promotion to Division 1.
In other ZIFA Mashonaland East Division 2A action, Eastview defeated Sambok 3-0, Axiom College beat Chatidhege 2-0, and Zimfert edged Gifts Academy 1-0. Auto Football Academy secured a 3-1 victory over B C Academy, MUAST and Chitungwiza played to a goalless draw, and Marondera Bulletts overcame Wedza United 4-2.
Elsewhere in ZIFA Mashonaland East Division 2B, Mutoko and Rusununguko played out a 2-2 draw. Joyce Mine blanked Purple Patch 3-0, Bundu edged Ruwa Community 1-0, and Kufatichitonga FC beat Chibamu FC 1-0. Juru FC secured a 1-0 win over Hukuru FC, 2m Academy defeated Hills FC 2-1, and Bethel claimed a 1-0 victory against Hot Spurs FC.
