Dulibadzimu Utd 0 BB Juice 1
BEITBRIDGE Juice FC secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Dulivhadzimu U19 in a Zimbabwe Football Association Division 2 match played at Dulivhadzimu Stadium on September 20.
The encounter between the rivals attracted an energetic crowd, with supporters cheering both teams throughout the match.
Both sides started strongly, exchanging attacking moves during the opening minutes as they battled for control.
The teams remained evenly matched through the first half, with neither side finding the back of the net before the 45th minute.
As the second half progressed, Tongwe High School student Shulton Tshabalala, popularly known as Becky, impressed for Beitbridge Juice by helping keep the Dulibadzimu attack under control.
In the 72nd minute, Beitbridge Juice player Ishamael Sifovhela, wearing number two, missed an effort that went over the crossbar after being awarded a free kick from close range near the 18-yard box.
Dulibadzimu U19 maintained possession for significant periods but struggled to turn it into clear goal-scoring opportunities, while Beitbridge Juice registered several attempts on target.
Dulibadzimu goalkeeper Lizwe Muleya, 33, made at least nine saves to keep his side in the contest.
Muleya is the younger brother of former Division 1 Dulibadzimu attacker Simenjani Muleya.
Beitbridge Juice attacker Logic Mudau, (3), also came close in the 88th minute when his diagonal effort narrowly missed the goal.
At the other end, Beitbridge Juice central defender Athinandavha Mbedzi, (17), formerly player of Bishopstone, made several important defensive interventions to deny Dulibadzimu’s attacks.
The home team wasted an opportunity to level the match in the 92nd minute when Madorno Moyo, wearing number 10 and the younger brother of Vhembe Stars midfielder Johanne Moyo, missed a crucial penalty.
The miss left te hosts trailing 1-0 as Beitbridge Juice held on for the victory.
Speaking after the match, Beitbridge Juice head coach George Ncube said the result was part of the team’s development.
“As part of the team build-up, I think the boys did well.”
“We have junior players who displayed good football, and we believe we will reach the expected level of winning, like we always do,” he said.
He also mentioned Tshabalala as a player to watch as the season progresses.
“Players to note as the season progresses is Tongwe High School Shulton Tshabalala playing for the Juice family,” he said.
Dulibadzimu FC goalkeeper coach Brian Muteuro said his team had put up a good performance but failed to make the most of its opportunities.
“It was quite a good game, but we failed to utilise our chances.”
” Otherwise, it was a good game. We hope to keep the energy going,” he said.
At the final whistle, supporters applauded both teams for their efforts, with the match showcasing attacking play, defensive work and ball control associated with competitive Division 2 football.