By Prince Chese
Grain Tigers FC (2) 4 Vhembe Stars (1) 1
Vhembe Stars Academy suffered a tough 4-1 defeat against Grain Tigers FC in Kwekwe , with costly defensive mistakes proving decisive despite an encouraging performance from the visitors.
The home side made a fast start and opened the scoring in the 6th minute through a direct free kick that slipped through the hands of the Vhembe goalkeeper and into the net.
Grain Tigers doubled their advantage in the 18th minute taking control of the match early on.
Vhembe Stars responded positively and showed good attacking football in the 27th minute when Marshal Nhira finished off an excellent team move to pull one back and make it 2-1 before halftime.
The visitors continued to compete well after the break, but defensive lapses again hurt them. In the 53rd minute, Grain Tigers restored their two goal cushion after Vhembe failed to clear a corner kick, allowing the hosts to score from close range.
Just three minutes later, another aggressive attack from the home side exposed Vhembe’s defence, and Grain Tigers grabbed a fourth goal after the ball was not cleared to safety.
Despite the heavy scoreline, Vhembe Stars head coach Blessing Madombi remained positive about his team’s overall display.
“The scoreline does not truly reflect what happened on the pitch. Yes, when you are trailing 1-0 it becomes difficult, but in terms of the play, we are moving in the right direction. We played well, and it is heartbreaking to work so hard and then give away such goals,” said Madombi.