By McGeorge Mbare
Dulibadzimu United 1-0 Shabanie Mine FC
DULIBADZIMU United secured a 1-0 victory over Shabanie Mine on Matchday 27 of the Central Region Soccer League Division One at Dulibadzimu Stadium on Sunday.
The Beitbridge outfit came into the match looking to collect maximum points in front of their loyal home supporters.
The Limpopo River side achieved their goal with a hard fought victory over Shabanie Mine.
The match started with Shabanie Mine midfielder Mufaro Moyo trying his luck from long range, but his effort went wide of Prince Mujuru’s goal.
Dulibadzimu United weathered the early pressure from the Shabanie Mine side, with Mujuru remaining alert and determined to keep a clean sheet.
In the 10th minute, Mayibongwe Sibanda broke the deadlock with a half volley to give Dulibadzimu United the lead.
Dulibadzimu United defended their advantage throughout the remainder of the first half and went into the break with a one goal lead.
The home side’s midfielders continued to show positive energy after the restart as they looked to entertain their supporters.
In the second half, Dulibadzimu United coach Rutherford Matondo made a change, bringing on Oscar Muzezani for Hardlife Ndou.
Shabanie Mine also made a change, replacing Bret Shoko with Lionel Chisunga.
Chisunga attempted to break through the Dulibadzimu United defence, but Mujuru repeatedly came to his side’s rescue with crucial saves.
The match ended 1-0 in favour of Dulibadzimu United, who moved from 29 to 32 points after 27 matches.
Matondo and his Beitbridge side have now moved clear of the relegation zone and strengthened their position in the league.
In an interview with Ziyah News Network, Rutherford Matondo hailed his boys for displaying positive energy against Shabanie Mine.
“The match was good and the boys executed everything well. The goal is continue securing maximum points,” Said Matondo.
Elsewhere, Vhembe Stars Academy U19 suffered a 3-2 defeat to Nottingham Estate on Matchday 10 at Dulibadzimu Stadium.
Vhembe Stars Academy took the lead in the 17th minute through Carlos Shoko, who finished from close range.
On exactly 43 minutes, Mbare Sheperd responded for Nottingham Estate, scoring the equaliser.
The two sides went into half time level at 1-1.
After the break, Nottingham Estate took the lead through Enesu Anero, who produced a brilliant strike to put his side ahead.
William Nyandoro restored parity for Vhembe Stars Academy, making it 2-2.
Nottingham Estate secured the victory when Carlos Shoko scored an own goal, handing the visitors a 3-2 win.