By Ziyah News Sports Reporter
Beitbridge-Dulibadzimu United finally remembered how to win in the Central Region Division one soccer league, dispatching town rivals Beitbridge FC by 2-0 at Dulibadzimu stadium to walk away with derby bragging rights.
The much anticipated fixture in the border town was befittingly played in a packed stadium and the match did not disappoint with the home team Duliz as they are affectionately known by their legion of fans took no time to settle.
The midfield battle was clearly in the hands of the home team with industrious midfielder Tinotenda Matsika making it his own dictating play. It was no surprise when he robbed Fezile Zikhali of the ball in the middle of the park, threaded a perfect ball for Evidence Chirasva who duly obliged with a cool finish that gave Beitbridge FC goalie Stephen Msipha no chance.
To their credit, Beitbridge FC did not drop heads after conceding but kept on pushing and fighting to get an equaliser led by the ever running midfielder Tinofara Mafunda and gunman Kambombwa Amos. They did conjure a couple of chances but found their shooting wayward or the Duliz defence resolute.
Just as the match was close to the 45th minute, Duliz landed a sucker punch on the debutants. New man Tanaka Nezungai who was full of running all afternoon with his silky deft touches received a through ball after another steal in midfield, unleashed a thunder bolt of a strike to give his team a two goal cushion.
Beitbridge FC came back a much better side in the second half with the introduction of Leeroy Zvokuda neutralising the Duliz dominance in midfield. Unfortunately their shooting was wayward and the match ended with the seasoned campaigners holding on to their first half 2 goal cushion.
Duliz Coach Never Malunga was a happy and relieved man.
“The team has been on a somewhat rebuilding exercise in the last three games as we lost some players, you can see the team is gelling now “he said.
On his part Beitbridge gaffer “Scarra” Mabhegede bemoaned missed chances by his team.
“We lost concentration in the first 10 minutes and the last 15 minutes of the match, we created chances in the second half but my forward line is made up of juniors.
Elsewhere in the Central Region Soccer League, current leaders Kwekwe United consolidated their grip on top spot by edging Wangu Mazodze City by a goal to nil. Sheasham lost on the road to Dinson Mvuma by a similar score line in a result that shows the competitiveness of the league. Here are the rest of the results:
